We currently have three open positions for a postdoc in the biomedical engineering field. The current research line on high frame rate echography contains several projects that try to push the limits of this exciting technology. We can image all fast cardiac events in slow motion and thus unravel the complex and adaptive processes of the beating heart: its blood flow patterns and activation, perfusion, stiffness change and detailed motion of the myocardium. The task of the postdocs is to further develop these techniques and bring them towards a preclinical (animal) study, to volunteers, and/or to pilot studies with patients. We use and develop technical implementations of the high frame technique, on fully-programmable research ultrasound systems and high-end clinical scanners adapted for these projects.

Technical tasks: we are developing novel 3D ultrasound probes, based on custom designed Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Development of these experimental probes involves iterative cycles of acoustic design, manufacturing, and testing for imaging. These will be performed for a large part by groups at Delft University of Technology, in close collaboration with the postdocs. Concept developement and testing of high-framerate imaging schemes for these architectures is an important part of the tasks.

Pre-clinical studies: we will use 2D and 3D contrast-enhanced high frame rate imaging in pre-clinical experiments to compare myocardial perfusion to gold-standard angiography around the left ventricle after induced ischemia (30 mins of occlusion vs. 2 h of occlusion, where no-reflow is expected for the second group but not the first). In a parallel line, we will investigate the effect of myocardial stiffness and loading conditions on minute motion of the myocardial wall (so called shear wave elastography). Experiments will be performed in close collaboration with the department of Experimental Cardiology.

Clinical studies: in several small pilot studies (around 10 subjects per study) we will use the developed measurement techniques on volunteers and patients. Starting from the functioning framework for these 2D and 3D high frame rate techniques, further testing on performance and safety will be undertaken before the actual clinical validation.

For all tasks described above, a postdoc will be organising these experiments and overviewing the execution, and analysing the results in terms of both technical and physiological implication and relevance. Furthermore, the postdocs will contribute to the overall aims of the projects including national and international conference presentations, MSc and PhD supervision, and project reporting. The projects are part of large research efforts: "QUANTO" (as a personal grant to the principal investigator, Dr.ir. H.J. Vos),"MIFFY", and "3D-ICE" granted by the Dutch research funding agency NWO-AES, and "EFFECTS", which was also partly funded by the Dutch Heart Foundation. These efforts aim at developing the technique from idea to bedside within 5 years, and will run both at the Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam and Delft University of Technology. The teams consist of multi-disciplinary partners including PhD students, engineers and cardiologists and are supported by industry.

The candidates will take a pivotal role in these projects, giving co-supervision to PhD candidates and coordinating and organizing the scientific efforts in the projects.

We are looking for postdoc candidates with a PhD degree in a closely related field such as Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Technology, or Physics, with experience in technical-medical research. Experience in diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound contrast imaging, pre-clinical work, and image or signal processing is highly welcome. Candidates are expected to work autonomously in an interdisciplinary, international environment. You have a can-do attitude and are an able experimentalist. Your qualities as a scientist are evident from your publications and thesis. The research project should result in several peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Being able to present a certificate of good conduct, a valid proof of identity, diploma's and/ or relevant registration such as BIG/ RGS are conditions for the appointment.

The gross monthly salary amounts a maximum of € 4.481,- (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

Erasmus MC stands for a healthy population and excellence in healthcare. By conducting groundbreaking work, we aim to push boundaries through leading the way in research, education and healthcare. We have access to the latest equipment and techniques in a state-of-the-art environment.

Thoraxcenter Biomedical Engineering is part of Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC. The research group is led by Prof. Ton van der Steen. At the crossroads of physics, technology, biology and medicine we are developing innovative techniques and methods to improve diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.