PhD student Neurotechnology

10 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht)

Research Field

Medical sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

1 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

36.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Brain stimulation methods have shown great promise as a treatment for multiple brain disorders. These methods suffer however from limitations, including poor spatial resolution, which makes it impossible to target specific neuronal circuits, and poorly understood neurophysiological bases, which raises reproducibility concerns. Together with European colleagues, we are developing and testing a groundbreaking method of mechanogenetic stimulation in an interdisciplinary project called SynMech . Our approach is based on the application of functionalized biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles and bioengineered synaptic mechano-sensors that synergistically integrate at specific synaptic connections to repair dysfunctional brain circuits in response to externally applied magnetic fields.

Your role will be to assess the effects of this novel mechanogenetic toolkit on different neurobehavioral, neurophysiological and neuroimaging markers in rodent models of stroke. You will apply the novel experimental treatment, involving intracortical gene and nanoparticle delivery, followed by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in mouse and/or rat models of stroke, together with a biotechnician. You will execute serial in vivo functional MRI, optical imaging, electrophysiological recordings and behavioral tests. You will analyze and correlate multiparametric datasets, which you will frequently discuss with colleagues internally, as well as with international partners within the SynMech consortium.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• You are a highly motivated scientist with great enthusiasm for experimental and translational brain research.
• You have a master degree in a biomedical field, and you have experience with animal research (preferably with an art. 9 certificate), ideally including imaging/electrophysiology experiments.
• Good computer programming skills are desirable.
• You are eager to learn different techniques and can quickly acquire new competences.
• You are able to work independently as well as in a team.
• You have a good command of both written and spoken English.

Additional Information
Benefits

The maximum salary for this position (36 - 36 hours) is € 3.677,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

Additional comments

Contact our colleague:
Rick Dijkhuizen
0619535515
[email protected]

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/337644/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

UMC Utrecht

Country

Netherlands

City

Utrecht

Postal Code

3584CX

Street

Heidelberglaan 100

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/337644/phd-student-neurotechnology/apply/#a…

Contact

City

Utrecht

Website

http://www.umcutrecht.nl/

Street

Heidelberglaan 100

Postal Code

3584 CX

STATUS: EXPIRED