PhD in Biomedicine - Microvascular Dysfunction in Brain Infarcts

Acute ischemic stroke remains a devastating event. Only 1/3 of patiens recovers sufficiently to live independently. Why? Will you be the Ph.D. student who unravels part of the answer in translational research based on advanced stroke models and state of the art microscopy?

We are a dedicated research team at Amsterdam UMC, participating in the Dutch 'Collaboration for New Treatments of Acute Stroke' (CONTRAST) consortium. Our mission is to improve stroke treatment outcomes through in-depth investigations into the microcirculation of the brain. Supported by organizations like the Netherlands Heart Foundation and Netherlands Brain Foundation, our research seeks to unravel the complexities underlying post-thrombectomy microvascular dysfunction.

For years, patients with acute ischemic stroke have benefited from mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure that removes blood clots with catheters. However, many patients continue to experience inadequate recovery despite successful clot removal. We suspect that microvascular dysfunction in the brain, specifically among the smallest vessels, plays a significant role in post-thrombectomy complications.

As a Ph.D. student, you will explore the mechanisms behind microvascular dysfunction during stroke and post-thrombectomy conditions using experimental rodent stroke models.

• Investigate cellular and molecular processes within the microcirculation that contribute to impaired blood flow and oxygen delivery post-thrombectomy.
• Employ cutting-edge multiphoton imaging techniques with a cranial window setup to observe live brain microcirculation during stroke and reperfusion.
• Develop and implement data analysis strategies to extract valuable insights from extensive imaging datasets.
• Collaborate with our team to enhance our image analysis pipeline.
• Publish research findings in international scientific journals and present results at conferences.
• Mentor Bachelor's and Master's students during their research internships.
• Occasionally participate in teaching activities.

• M.Sc. degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline;
• Background in experimental neurosciences, cardiovascular sciences, or advanced microscopy;
• Affinity with experimental, in vivo work, including micro-surgery;
• Genuine interest in stroke research and a commitment to a four-year project;
• Prior experience with or eagerness to learn imaging data collection and analysis using Matlab.

In addition, your skills include:

• Excellent planning and communication skills;
• Strong analytical skills and determination.

Join our vibrant research community at the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, where collaboration thrives among our interdisciplinary teams. Our research is deeply integrated into the Amsterdam Cardiovascular Science and Amsterdam Neuroscience research institutes.

We're all about 'Science for LIFE' – an acronym for Light, Imaging, Flow, and Engineering. This approach enables us to tackle complex health challenges that intersect these domains. Our department fosters an open and collegial atmosphere, encouraging constant interaction among research groups and welcoming fresh ideas from young scientists.

Stroke research is a central theme within our department, encompassing both clinical studies and translational work. We maintain close connections between our clinic and laboratory to ensure that our rodent experiments remain relevant, facilitating the translation of our findings.