The project
For several years now, patients suffering from an acute ischemic stroke are treated by mechanical thrombectomy, where the blood clot is removed with a catheter. However, even after successful removal of the clot, the blood flow to the brain often does not completely recover. Such incomplete microvascular reperfusion may contribute to the still very poor outcome of acute stroke patients.

In this project we will investigate the microvasculature during stroke and after thrombectomy to unravel the mechanisms playing a role in this incomplete reperfusion. The results of this project will help us to better understand the behavior of the cerebral vasculature during stroke and recanalization therapy, and to pinpoint possible new therapeutic targets to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcome.

About your role
In this project you will investigate biological, neurodegenerative processes and find interventions to reduce tissue damage, using the newest intravital imaging techniques. You will be responsible for I) designing and performing in vivo experiments; II) expand/improve functions and protocols concerning the in vivo microscope setup and overcome technical challenges III) analyze big imaging datasets, all to improve our understanding of how the microvasculature reacts during and after ischemic stroke onset. You will write scientific articles for international science journals and present results on (inter)national conferences.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled PhD student who preferentially has been trained in experimental neurology and/or advanced microscopy. You have good analytical thinking skills and perseverance. You can work independently as well as in a team, you are stress resistant, proactive and flexible; You have excellent planning and communication skills; You are interested in stroke and you like to immerse yourself in this subject for four years. Experience with imaging data (collection) and associated (statistical) analysis (eg Matlab, SPSS/R, etc.) is a plus. All together a real centipede who can make this project a success!

• Master of Science degree in Technical Medicine, Neuroscience,  Biomedical Sciences/Engineering, Biomedical imaging or a related discipline;
• Affinity with experimental, in vivo work (excellent fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination);
• Experience with neuroimaging, microscopy and optics;
• Affinity/experience with programming in Matlab is highly appreciated;
• A motivated, creative and flexible work attitude;
• A team player with excellent communication skills;
• Good written and oral expression skills in English are required.

Fixed-term contract: 4-year (PhD) contract starting with 12 months, which will be extended to another 36 months after evaluation.

We offer various opportunities for growth, deepening and broadening, additional training courses and a place where you can grow! Working at Amsterdam UMC takes place in an inspiring and professional environment where development in every form is encouraged.

• We offer training in a PhD trainee program and create opportunities for career development PhD Safety Net infographic (amsterdamumc.org)
• Working on your own research with international collaborations with motivated colleagues from all over the worldWe offer a 4-year (PhD) contract starting with 12 months, which will be extended to another 36 months after evaluation.
• In addition to a good basic salary (OIO, comform UMC-CAO), we offer a 8% holiday pay and a 8.3% year-end bonus. Bereken hier jouw netto salaris.
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, AMC also has a sufficient number of parking spaces for employees.
• Pension is accrued at Be Frank. 

Bekijk alle arbeidsvoorwaarden bij AMR

Amsterdam UMC

For more information about the organsiation click here Amsterdam UMC.

Biomedical Engineering & Physics (BMEP) department of the AMC

You will work at the Biomedical Engineering & Physics (BMEP) department of the AMC, in a team of researchers who all help one another to study various aspects of the cerebrovasculature. We study stroke, micro-infarcts, hypertension, and perivascular spaces using cutting edge technology such as 2-photon imaging, MRI, ultrasound, and an in house developed imaging cryomicrotome setup. There are weekly research meetings, training sessions and multiple hands-on, statistics, coding and programming training sessions/courses, and various other ways to develop yourself as a researcher.