Postdoc: Update of an existing systematic review

If so, we would like to hear from you, which you can do so by applying for an available position at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).

About the project: Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is an increasingly recognized cause of ischemic stroke among the young and middle-aged individuals. The reason why these dissections occur in otherwise healthy appearing young individuals remains unknown, although numerous risk factors have been postulated. It is easy to understand why certain risk factors may predispose a patient to dissection. For example, connective tissue provides mechanical stability and elasticity to the vessel wall; therefore, structural impairments could lead to weaknesses at points of decreased resistance, resulting in rupture. However, other risk factors are more difficult to explain (e.g. a recent infection, trivial trauma, or common neck movements, which are pervasive in society).

In short, a number of risk factors have been identified as a cause of CAD, and it would appear that CAD is a result of different mechanisms. In order to get a better understanding of the risk factors and potential pathways, we conducted a systematic review which was published in 2005. In this review, we identified 31 studies which examined various risk factors. Since then, many new publications have appeared which could provide new insight and strengthen our understanding, which is why an update of this review is necessary.

Note: This review has been cited close to 300 times (source: Scopus), so the review has had significant scientific impact.

Your duties
About your role: The postdoc will be responsible for updating the existing review; meaning, searching the literature and identifying new studies, and updating the risk of bias assessment and extract the qualitative and quantitative data. Experience in conduct of systematic reviews is necessary, and preference will be given to those with knowledge in etiological reviews. Additionally, conduct of reviews requires a team player, and the expectation is that the candidate can work well with another team member.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,960 (scale 10)
and a maximum €4,670 (scale 10), depending on your education and experience. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.6 FTE.

The employment contract will affect a period of 18 months.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• pension is accrued at the ABP. VU contributes a large part of the premium
• contribution to commuting expenses, in addition to excellent accessibility by public transport
• space for personal development
• the possibility to work partly from home

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor - from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means working together with students, PhD candidates and scientists who are focused on their discipline, yet also have a broad view of the world. We are proud of the collegial working environment within the faculty, which is characterised by an ambitious and pragmatic attitude with commitment to the bigger picture. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex social issues for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from genetics to pharmaceuticals and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research cover the full breadth of the natural sciences. Scientific teaching and research is highly experimental, technical, computational and interdisciplinary in nature. This is why we collaborate extensively with leading research institutes and industry. The faculty has over 11,000 students studying across 40 educational programmes and employs over 1,600 staff spread over 10 scientific departments, making us the largest science faculty in the Netherlands.

About the department
You work at the Department of Health Sciences. This department harbours a diverse team of researchers and educators which provides a professional and exciting work environment. You will collaborate with researchers outside the department both nationally and internationally. The work environment provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.