PhD student to study brain metabolism and clearance in dementia using 7 Tesla MRI

In this PhD you will develop advanced MRI technologies to detect and monitor key brain processes in dementia. You will focus on optimizing 7T MRI methods to map metabolic changes, such as glucose metabolism, within the Precision Imaging group.

Dit ga je doen

CHIME: Cerebral HemodynamIcs, Metabolism and clearancE: A comprehensive, non-invasive brain imaging approach  to characterize key biological processes in dementia

Worldwide, 55 million people live with dementia, primarily caused by Alzheimer's disease. While it cannot be cured, improving detection of biological processes leading to dementia may enhance understanding of the disease, disease monitoring, and early diagnosis. Developing reliable MRI-based technologies for detecting and tracking these biomarkers is the goal of our CHIME-consortium. 

In this PhD-position you will have the opportunity to develop, optimize and validate advanced MR-based methods, for 7 Tesla MRI, that provide quantitative maps of dynamic metabolic processes in the brain. This includes MR sequence optimization and advanced post-processing of MR data. Your project will focus on understanding metabolic changes in dementia (e.g., changes in glucose metabolism, ATP production, oxygen supply, and regulation of neuroinflammation), all related to neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. You will work towards integrating information on energy metabolism and supply, by improving established MRS techniques like 31P-MRS imaging (MRSI) and by developing novel approaches such as deuterium MRSI. 

Hier ga je werken

The position is hosted by the Precision Imaging group of the Centre of Image Sciences in the UMC Utrecht. Our research focuses on multiparametric body and brain imaging of structure and function in health and disease, with particular emphasis on i) development of tools for improved, ii) characterization of metabolism, and iii) monitoring of protective and -restorative therapies. 

You will collaborate closely with clinical and technical project partners, including PhD students and postdoctoral researchers within the CHIME consortium. This collaboration spans institutions such as UMC Utrecht, Leiden UMC and Erasmus MC.

Dit neem je mee

• You hold a Master’s degree in physics, biomedical imaging sciences, biomedical engineering or comparable.
• You have strong programming skills (Matlab/Python etc.).
• Experience with Philips MR pulse programming is a pre.
• You like to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• You are highly motivated and committed.
• You have a proven proficiency in written and spoken English.
• You demonstrate excellent planning and time management skills.

Dit bieden we jou

• A salary between € 3017 and € 3824 gross per month (scale OIO), based on full-time employment (36 hours).
• A position for a period of 48 months. The start date of this position is February 1, 2024.
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.