PhD position – IMPROMYND project: Improving Myelin imaging for NeuroDegenerative disorders

In several neurodegenerative disorders, neuronal maturation is affected, which is strongly linked to a disrupted myelin content. Non-invasive quantification of the in vivo myelin content can be achieved using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). We recently improved the quantitative myelin-water imaging (MWI) technique reducing scan time while maintaining high image quality. With this project, we will apply our improved MWI technique in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is the most common demyelinating disorder, it has severe physical and mental symptoms, and a dedicated scanning method highly sensitive to myelin could provide new clinical avenues for early diagnosis and disease progression/treatment. Furthermore, in parallel, we will further improve and fine-tune our MWI methodology in healthy volunteers.

We invite applications for a PhD position in clinical neuroimaging at the department of Electrical Engineering at the Eindhoven University of Technology. The position is embedded in the Neuroplatform, in close collaboration with the School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS) of the Maastricht University. As a PhD-student you will be involved in a clinical MRI study with MS patients, specifically encompassing the tasks around MRI data acquisition, computational modeling, and data analyses. You will be working in a stimulating interdisciplinary biomedical team, including MRI scientists, imaging engineers, physicists, neuroradiologists, neurologists, and representatives of industry.

Job Requirements

The PhD candidate has an affinity with healthcare and a talent for technology, teamwork, and data analyses. Preferably, the candidate is well-versed in scientific research and in collaborating in multidisciplinary environments, skilled in tackling intricate problems, and has good English writing skills. A strong MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Biomedical Engineering is a prerequisite. Experience with MRI, knowledge of MR physics, image processing and analysis algorithms, MATLAB and Python programming is expected. At last, experience with patients is an advantage.

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting, and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children’s day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?

Please contact dr.Jaap Jansen (email j.f.a.jansen[at]tue.nl / jacobus.jansen[at]mumc.nl, or phone +31(0)433874908) and prof.dr.ir. Marcel Breeuwer (M.Breeuwer[at]tue.nl).

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply-now button. The application should include a:

• A letter of motivation
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• Contact info of at least two references

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.