The position

As postdoctoral researcher in the RADAR-Study, you will be responsible for developing new 4D flow MRI and cardiovascular MRI acquisition and analysis techniques. You will strongly collaborate with three PhD-students and will be responsible for publishing scientific results. We will encourage you strongly to acquire new funding in order to extend the current research line.

 The project

The RADAR-study aims at earlier recognition of aortic dissection and aneurysm rupture. By developing innovative magnetic resonance imaging methods and image analysis approaches that make use of computational fluid dynamics, the RADAR-Study expects to unravel hemodynamic and mechanical aspects associated with the development of aortic aneurysms. An aortic aneurysm is life-threatening as it can lead to dissection and rupture. Aneurysms often remain undetected until a fatal event occurs. Aberrant blood flow patterns provoke changes in local mechanical wall properties due to abnormal stresses on the aortic vessel wall. A new non-invasive imaging approach that combines structural information of the aortic vessel wall as well as hemodynamic information from blood flow and transmural blood pressure, may establish new biomarkers that are indicative for earlier aneurysm detection, preferably before growth, and ultimately can prevent dissection and fatal rupture.

You have a Master’s degree in Physics, Technical Medicine or a related discipline and have obtained a PhD in the field of cardiovascular MRI. You have a strong background in MRI physics and flow dynamics, as well as extensive experience with 4D flow MRI. In addition you have broad experience with development of image analysis solutions. Preferably, you also have experience in, or is willing to learn, MRI pulse programming. You are highly motivated, and able to work independently as well as in a multidisciplinary team. You should be able to communicate effectively across different disciplines.

Fixed-term contract: for two years with the possibility for extension with another year.

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment is for two years with the possibility for extension with another year. Your salary will depend on your qualifications and experience with a maximum of € 4,216 gross per month based on a full time position (scale 10, CLA for University Hospitals).

The terms of employment offered by the LUMC are highly favorable. For example, you will receive 8% holiday remuneration, a year-end bonus, and a pension arrangement with the National Civil Pension Fund. Also, as employee of one of the University Hospitals in the Netherlands, you can benefit from our collective health insurance policy.

Moreover, the LUMC offers excellent facilities in the area of education, child-care center, and career advice.

The LUMC is a center for medical innovation that aims to improve patient care through leading international research. So as to also provide our patients with a safe and friendly environment, we need doctors, medical care specialists, support staff and academic researchers. 

As postdoctoral researcher you will join the research team of the Radiology department that leads this RADAR-study. RADAR is a CVON project and is financed by the Dutch Heart Foundation. The project is a collaborative initiative from Leiden University Medical Center, Delft University of Technology and Maastricht University Medical Center. Within the LUMC, the Radiology department closely collaborates with the departments of Cardiology and Thoracic Surgery.