Current 'one-size fits- all' treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are unsuccessful in improving patient prognosis. Rational treatments are suggested but have not yet been tailored to the individual. This translational project incorporates predictive information from cutting-edge fundamental research using patient-derived stem cells 'brain-on-a-dish' in-silico models with innovative single patient trial (i.e. N-of-1 trial) methodology, with the ultimate goal to translate our findings to novel treatment implementations for children with ASD.

As a BIG registrated PhD candidate, your main tasks and responsibilities are:

• Conduct a review of drug repurposing possibilities for ASD.
• Develop the institutional review board protocol and manage the different phases of the aggregated N-of-1 trials (screening, inclusion, blinded treatment phases with collecting of outcome measures and possible side effects, effect evaluation and treatment (dis)continuation decisions) in the NewTDec consortium.
• Co-write the aggregated N-of-1 trial manuscript and prepare for publication.
• Develop treatment decision support systems to inform future N-of-1 trials.

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic researchers with:

• A Master's degree in medicine; BIG registration preferable.
• Affinity for translational and/or interventional research in neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Interest in neurobiological background of neurodevelopmental disorders and pushing the boundaries of treatment development through technology-driven applications.
• Experience with translational research or clinical trials is a plus.
• A flexible, pro-active team spirit but you can also work independently.
• Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

• We offer a contract for 4 years after a trial period of 12 months.
• Intending start date: 1 December 2019.

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be, depending on the type of job, a screening based on the provided cv. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions and what our International Office can do for you when moving to the Netherlands.

Radboudumc

This joint project will be performed at the Radboudumc (Department of Health Evidence - Prof. Gert Jan van der Wilt research group) as well as the Amsterdam UMC (Department of Psychiatry - Dr. Hilgo Bruining research group). At these places, you will work in a team with young and enthusiastic researchers, who have expertise in Bayesian statistical analysis, conductance of clinical trials, health technology assessment, cell biology, neuroscience and clinical neurology and psychiatry.

The project is funded by an NWO-NWA-ORC grant (New, rational therapy decisions for developmental brain disorders: Integrating quantitative patient assessment, cellular assays and nanotechnology (NewTDec)) and embedded in the following research institutes: UMC Amsterdam, Twente University and the Radboud Institute for Health Sciences. People of the consortium are: Prof. Matthijs Verhage, Dr. Hilgo Bruining, Dr. Klaus Linkenkaer-Hansen, Dr. Niels Cornelisse, Dr. Niels Tas, Prof. Gert Jan van der Wilt.