Several types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, are associated with vascular problems. Aging, and risk factors such as high blood pressure contribute to impaired vascular function. This involves stiffening of the arteries, poor regulation of blood flow, and reduced clearance of waste products. Aging is also associated with accumulation of a protein fragment, called medin, in the blood vessel wall. In this project we will investigate whether medin plays a key role in the vascular contribution to dementia.

In this project you will perform preclinical studies to investigate the role of medin. More specifically, you will test whether medin is responsible for vascular stiffening, affects regulation of cerebral perfusion, and finally, whether it contributes to reduced waste clearance. Waste clearance from the brain occurs via perivascular spaces, that are part of the glymphatic system. Impaired clearance along this route may contribute to aggregation of waste, such as amyloid beta, around blood vessels.

To address these questions you will use several techniques, in particular MRI. An important part of the task will be to optimize and validate MRI sequences to measure blood flow and fluid transport in the skull of rodents. In addition, you will use histology and ex vivo tests on blood vessels.

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher with the following profile:

• A master degree in Technical Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, or Cardiovascular science.
• Experience with MRI or other imaging modalities is an advantage.
• Experience with preclinical research in neuro- or cardiovascular sciences is an advantage.

• 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 48 months (as PhD student) or 36 months (as post-doc).
• Salary scale PhD student: OIO scale, €3.017 to €3.824 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Salary scale post-doc: scale 10, €3.493 to €5.504 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: 186,4 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.

Amsterdam UMC

You will work in a team of researchers led by Dr. Erik Bakker, Prof. Gustav Strijkers, and Dr. Bram Coolen. They share a passion for preclinical imaging and the cerebral circulation. In our group, we investigate the glymphatic system, hypertension, and the blood-brain barrier in several national and international collaborations. Our group has access to several techniques, including MRI, 2-photon imaging, ultrasound, histology and vessel myography.

Our group consists of around 15 people, with a diverse and international background. More information about the department can be found on this website.

Note: Candidates will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and once there are enough suitable candidates, the vacancy will be closed before the original closing date. The first round of interviews is scheduled for January 2025.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Dr. Erik N.T.P. Bakker, via n.t.bakker@amsterdamumc.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, Recruitment advisor, via r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.

A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.