PhD position in experimental vascular biomechanics

Rupture of diseased segments (atherosclerotic plaques) in arteries is a major cause of fatal and disabling cardiovascular events. Plaque rupture is a mechanical event where the collagenous plaque tissue loses its structural integrity due to the blood pressure loading. The architecture of the fibrillar collagen network in a plaque is hypothesized to be the key determinant of the rupture risk of the plaque. Hence, quantitative measurements of the plaque tissue's collagen network and mechanical characterization of the plaque tissue may provide invaluable information not only to understand the fatal plaque rupture event but also to develop life-saving predictive models for plaque rupture risk.

To be the front-runner in the field of atherosclerotic plaque biomechanics, you will perform quantitative structural imaging and mechanical testing of fibrous plaque tissue. You are going to work in a vibrant group of engineers, clinicians and biologist who have scientific passion in unraveling the mysteries of cardiovascular biomechanics.

You are highly motivated to conduct multidisciplinary doctoral research on experimental characterization of mechanical and structural features of atherosclerotic plaque tissue. Additionally you:

• Have strong interest and/or experience in experimental tissue biomechanics and structural tissue imaging (in particular for cardiovascular applications.
• Hold or are about to obtain an MSc degree from a technical program such as engineering, biomedical sciences, applied physics or similar.
• Are creative, a team player and eager to take initiative.
• Have good communication skills, and are fluent in both written and spoken English.

Cardiovascular Biomechanics Group at Erasmus MC consists of engineers, biologists and clinicians, strongly driven by the scientific motivation of performing innovative, cutting-edge cardiovascular research. The Lab combines fundamental, translational, experimental, computational and clinical studies in the cardiovascular field, and closely collaborates with the other research groups at the Biomedical Engineering Department, the clinical departments of Erasmus MC, and the Biomechanical Engineering Dept. of Delft University of Technology.