PhD Cerebral microcirculation in stroke

For several years now, patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke have been treated with mechanical thrombectomy, in which the blood clot is removed using a catheter. However, even after successful removal of the clot, blood flow to the brain often does not fully recover. This incomplete reperfusion can lead to further infarct growth and contributes to the still poor outcomes observed in stroke patients.

In this project, we will investigate the vasculature during stroke and after thrombectomy to uncover the mechanisms involved in this incomplete reperfusion. We will also explore potential new therapeutic interventions. To achieve this, we use animal models, cell cultures, and advanced microscopic imaging. The results of this project will enhance our understanding of the cerebral vasculature during stroke and recanalization therapy, and help identify new therapeutic strategies to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

A Postdoc will also be appointed for this project Vacatures - Postdoc Cerebrale microcirculatie bij beroerte - Amsterdam UMC.

You will investigate neurovascular processes and potential interventions to limit tissue damage following stroke, using the latest intravital microscopy and MRI techniques.
Your main tasks will include:

• designing and conducting in vivo and in vitro stroke experiments;
• expanding and optimizing imaging setups and solving practical challenges;
• writing scientific papers for international journals;
• presenting your findings at (inter)national conferences.

You hold a Master’s degree in Technical Medicine, Neurosciences, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field. In addition, you have:

• affinity for experimental work, both in vivo and in vitro, with excellent fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination;
• preferably, experience with neuroimaging, microscopy, and optics;
• affinity with or experience in programming (for example, MATLAB or Python);
• a motivated, creative, and flexible mindset;
• excellent communication skills and proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
• Holiday hours: 190.4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

Je komt terecht in een multidisciplinair onderzoeksteam dat zich richt op verschillende aspecten van de cerebrale vasculatuur. We bestuderen zowel ischemische als hemorragische beroertes, evenals grote en kleine infarcten, met behulp van geavanceerde in vivo-technieken zoals tweefotonmicroscopie, MRI, echografie en een op maat gemaakte cryomicrotoom voor beeldvorming. Daarnaast maken we ook gebruik van meerdere in vitro cel- en vessel-on-a-chip-modellen voor meer moleculair georiënteerde experimenten.

Het team bevordert een open en ondersteunende onderzoekscultuur, met wekelijkse vergaderingen en trainingssessies. Je krijgt volop de kans om je vaardigheden verder te ontwikkelen door middel van praktische cursussen in bijvoorbeeld statistiek, microscopie, programmeren en aanvullende ‘soft skills’.

Amsterdam UMC Research BV ondersteunt wetenschappelijk onderzoek zonder winstoogmerk. Hiermee voorzien we onderzoekers in alles wat ze nodig hebben om te kunnen excelleren. Zo bieden onze principal investigators (PI's) en projectleiders begeleiding op het gebied van projectbeheer, finance en human resources. Bij medisch-wetenschappelijke onderzoeksprojecten wordt daarnaast ook ondersteuning op juridisch vlak geboden. Bekijk de video voor meer informatie.