Vacancies
From UMCN Radiology Research
Marie Curie fellow / PhD student - Imaging in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
In the framework of the Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) on Multidisciplinary scientists for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (MultiTERM), a position is open for an Early Stage Research (ESR) fellow, starting October 2009.
Job profile:
Tissue engineering is an exciting new research field with the aim to create new tissues and organs to replace badly or not functioning tissues and organs. The overall objective of the MultiTERM project is to train the next generation of multi-disciplinary researchers in advancements of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Research in this field requires the development and implementation of dedicated and state-of-the-art imaging approaches. For this purpose we will focus on the multimodal possibilities of Magnetic Resonance (MR) to assess tissue anatomy and function. MRI is indispensible for the non-invasive monitoring of the morphological state, the fate of degradation and biological behaviour of tissue engineered constructs in animal models and humans. This includes high resolution MRI using natural soft tissue contrast, and new MRI methods to assess solid tissue. To assess tissue viability tissue (cell) density and vascular functionality will be measured with diffusion and perfusion MRI. In the dynamic perfusion studies MR contrasts based on Gadolium (Gd) or small particles of iron oxide (SPIO) for high resolution images of vascular volume, permeability and flow, will be used. Scaffolds labeled with Gd or SPIO compounds, carbo-nanotubes, or fluorinated material (19F MRI), will be applied for cell and tissue targeted imaging. Other parts of the MR toolbox to be explored are chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), MR elastography and MR spectroscopy (metabolism). MRI allows longitudinal studies to evaluate biomaterials in vivo, greatly diminish the number of necessary animals. During the training, you will develop and implement state-of-the-art and novel quantitative MR methods to monitor the behaviour of implanted tissues. You are expected to work closely with PhD students involved in other parts of the project. At the end of the project you will write a PhD thesis. The department of Urology is the local partner in the MultiTERM consortium
Department of Radiology:
The development and application of novel MR methods for the understanding, diagnosis and treatment monitoring of disease is the main research focus of our department. MR studies are performed in humans and in parallel in animal models of disease to support the human studies with new perspectives and understanding. In this translational work we make use of integrative approaches, putting together MR with other modalities (e.g. PET) for the best solution of biomedical questions. For this project it is relevant that we have nearly 20 years experience with MR of small animals.
Research facilities:
The RU Nijmegen has the most extensive MR research equipment in the Netherlands. For biomedical applications various MR systems are available for imaging and spectroscopic purposes including 2 new animal MR systems (at 7 and 11.7 Tesla), dedicated to research on mice and rats. The MR facility will be part of an animal imaging centre also including PET/CT, SPECT and optical imaging.
Requirements, position and salary:
We are looking for enthusiastic candidates with a Masters-degree in (bio-) physics, chemistry, technical medicine, molecular sciences or a comparable training. The multi-disciplinary character of this project requires broad interest and good communication skills. Interest in or experience with MR is appreciated. Because of the Marie Curie program regulations only non-Dutch Citizen can apply. We offer a fulltime job for a period of 3 year with extension possibilities to 4 year. Salary in accordance with the collective agreement (CAO) of Dutch universities.
Contact Info:
Prof. A. Heerschap ; e-mail: a.heerschap@rad.umcn.nl
Dr. Egbert Oosterwijk, project coordinator, multiterm@umcn.nl, (024) 3614907
Dr. Nicoline Geverink, project manager, multiterm@umcn.nl, (024) 3619618
Applications
http://www.multitermproject.eu/
PhD student - Towards MR based personalized assessment of specific muscular involvement in Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy for diagnostic and treatment purposes
Job profile:
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a major muscular dystrophy. However, little is known about its pathophysiology, which likely involves a genetic defect with abnormal metabolism. Anatomic and metabolic profiles of the affected muscles and objective biomarkers to assess new therapies,are not available. Magnetic Resonance (MR) is an ideal tool to assess muscular functionality and metabolites in a non-invasive and spatially resolved way. A typical aspect of FSHD is the assymmetric and selective involvement of muscles, which makes it a unique case for MR studies of muscular dystrophy in general.
This project is supported by funding of the Prinses Beatrix Fonds. It will be performed together with the department of Neurology (Prof Padberg and Prof van Engelen), which houses the national clinical centre of research, diagnosis and treatment of FSHD patients. During the project you will determine functional and metabolic profiles of muscles in FSHD patients using 1H and 31P MR and correlate this to disease progression. Specifically, creatine concentrations will be monitored and its turnover after supplementation. In collaboration with researchers at the Neurology department you will investigate the effects of aerobic exercise training with and without supplementation of creatine on improvements in muscle strength and endurance and correlate the clinical and physiological findings with the MR results. Eventually, together with other (genetic, proteomic) information this may be used to better understand the cause of FSHD. You will write a PhD thesis at the end of the project period.
Department of Radiology:
The development and application of novel MR methods for the understanding, diagnosis and treatment monitoring of disease is the main research focus of our department. MR studies are performed in humans and in parallel in animal models of disease to support the human studies with new perspectives and understanding. The biomedical research group has more than 15 years experience in MR spectroscopy of energy metabolism in muscle and brain both of animals and of humans.
Research facilities:
The RU Nijmegen has the most extensive MR research equipment in the Netherlands. For biomedical applications various MR systems are available for imaging and spectroscopic studies on humans and animals, including 2 human MR ystems at 3T, equipped with multi-nuclear options. In addition a whole body 7T MR system is available together with the Donders Centre and the University of Essen. The department of Neurology has advanced facilities for clinical and physiological assessments of FSHD patients.
Requirements, position and salary:
We are looking for enthusiastic candidates with a Masters-degree in biology, life sciences, biophysics, biochemistry, or a comparable training. The multi-disciplinary character of this project requires broad interest and good communication skills. Interest in or experience with MR and/or muscle physiology is appreciated. We offer a fulltime job for a period of 4 year. Salary in accordance with the collective agreement (CAO) of Dutch universities.
Further info : Prof. A. Heerschap ; e-mail: a.heerschap@rad.umcn.nl
Post Doc - Rapid MR acquisition methods for metabolomic studies in human disease
Please contact * Prof. dr. A. Heerschap, Tel: +31-24-361 47 95; e-mail: a.heerschap@rad.umcn.nl
PhD student - Multi-modality imaging in the prediction of response to systemic treatment in colorectal cancer
Closed
MS students
We welcome masters students in physics, computer science, biomedical engineering/technology, biochemistry.
Contact: Heerschap A Karssemeijer N