The objectives of this appointment are

Primary; putting photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) forward to an clinical decision supporting modality during endovascular revascularisation of critical limb ischemia in a dedicated hybrid OR environment.

Secondary; writing an METC proposal for a clinical observational and/or randomized clinical trial and exploring further external funding of this research program.

Background
Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease (PAOD).

Most limb amputations are related to end stage PAOD, the so called critical limb ischemia. The major lower limb amputation rate varies in the Western world between 5.1 and 25 for every 100.000 people. Patients with diabetes mellitus, who form only 8% of the population, form 45% of all amputees. The main reason that diabetics are prone to amputations is that they suffer from a combination of large, and small vessel PAOD, neuropathy and retarded wound healing.

Extended endovascular revascularization techniques can be used to restore blood flow to the foot. Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict whether a successful revascularization will lead to wound healing or that amputation still will be necessaryg. A non-healing wound after a revascularization leads to high costs, low quality of life, increased mortality and most often to a major amputation. It is therefore important to predict the outcome of the revascularization of the leg e.g. if more extensive revascularizations are meaningful.

The multidisciplinary research team
The biomedical photonic imaging group at UT (prof. dr. ir. W. Steenbergen and prof. dr. R.H.J.A Slart) and the multidisciplinary vascular and diabetic foot teams of two large teaching hospital, ZGT (dr. J. van Baal) and MST (dr R. Meerwaldt and prof. dr. R.H. Geelkerken), with state of the art outpatient and clinical facilities for diagnosis and treatment of PAOD and concomitant diabetic feet has joined forces in improving diagnosis and treatment in end stage PAOD in diabetics. At present a PhD researcher is focusing on PAI for detection of critical limb ischemia in people with diabetic feet in an outpatient environment. The clinical part of this program is concentrated in ZGT. The second arm of this challenging and promising mutual research project is the intraoperative application of PAI and/or LSCI measurements a The dedicated hybrid OR of MST will harbour this part of the program.

To apply for this position, please use the link below and include your cover letter with your motivation before the 28th of August 2017. For more information on this position please contact Bob Geelkerken, Vascular surgeon MST and professor in the Faculty Science & Technology (r.geelkerken@mst.nl / +31 53 4873964 or Wiendelt Steenbergen, professor biomedial photonic imaging (w.steenbergen@utwente.nl /+31 53 4893160).

We offer a very challenging fulltime position for 2 years in an inspiring multidisciplinary and international environment. In accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) the gross monthly salary will range from € 3.111,- to € 4.084,- (scale 10) depending on your background and relevant experience. Additionally, the University of Twente provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development, an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end of year bonus. 

Your main responsibility will be to carry out this research, but you will be given the opportunity to acquire other experience as well.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.