Heart failure is a multifactorial disease, and frequently occurs as a late-stage consequence of oher cardiac conditions. We have an opening for a postdoc (36 months, full time), studying cardiac remodeling in preclinical models of heart failure. The project will rely on photoacoustic imaging, and use two targeted contrast agents to visualize tissue changes occurring in the heart with aortic valve insufficiency, myocardial infarction, or cardiac arrhythmia. In addition, experiments will include imaging of human post-mortem tissues. The agents are designed to reveal the presence and extent of necrosis and fibrosis, occurring in the failing heart and advanced vascular disease.

The murine heart is a highly mobile and small organ, and this poses specific requirements for imaging technologies applied to it. In this project, the postdoc will develop photoacoustic imaging methods that can capture the dynamics of the heart. The challenges include sensitivity, speed of imaging, beamforming, and image quantification/parametrization. This will enable innovative studies of cardiac remodeling in heart failure and tissue characterization. Technical expertise from systems manufacturers will be available for real-time implementation of experimental scan sequences.
In addition to the postdoc researcher, the team will comprise an animal technician and supervision by senior scientists with expertise in photoacoustic imaging, heart failure and preclinical imaging research.

• You are an expert in biomedical photoacoustic imaging, (high-frequency) ultrasound, and/or ultrasound contrast imaging.
• Skills in quantification, beamforming and molecular imaging are a plus.
• Experience with in vivo experiments and lasers is highly welcome.
• Candidates are expected to have a PhD in a relevant field, such as Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related, and preferably have experience in interdisciplinary projects.
• You have a can-do attitude, a creative and pro-active attitude with good analytical skills, the ability to combine creativity with a sound academic attitude, excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking, and are a good team player.
• The research project should result in scientific publications and conference presentations.

We offer a fulltime contract during 3 years. The gross monthly salary amounts a maximum of € 4.615,- scale 10), depending on your level of education and relevant experience and based on a full-time working week of 36 hours. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Medical Centers (CAO UMC).

Erasmus MC

Thoraxcenter Biomedical Engineering is a group of 80 researchers performing highly innovative research in cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy. We focus on translational research in imaging with ultrasound and light, ultrasound contrast agents, and vascular biomechanics.