PhD position: Blood vessels and dementia

Amsterdam UMC; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public transport reimbursement

Bike scheme

BeFrank pension

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Job summary

Amsterdam UMC Research BV invites applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) to perform preclinical neuroscience research focused on cerebral vascular biology and CAA. The role involves animal studies, MRI/imaging, and studying the glymphatic system to understand dementia pathology.

The project is a 12-month contract with potential extension to four years under the Guideline PhD contract. Collaboration with senior researchers and access to BeFrank pension and transport benefits are included.

Qualifications

• Degree in Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience or Cardiovascular Sciences.
• Interest in preclinical research into neuroscience or the cardiovascular system.
• Experience with MRI or imaging techniques is advantageous.
• Article 9 status or eligibility to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Conduct preclinical studies using animal models to study CAA.
• Investigate blood-brain barrier disruption in the model.
• Assess how interventions influence the glymphatic system and dementia.

Skills

MRI experience

Imaging techniques

Preclinical research

Dementia biology

Education

Biomedical Sciences degree

Neuroscience degree

Cardiovascular Sciences degree

Tools

MRI

Job description

Organisation/Company Amsterdam UMC Research Field Neurosciences » Neurobiology Neurosciences » Neurochemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 15 Oct 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands 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 a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The cerebral vascular bed does more than supply blood to the brain. It also maintains the blood-brain barrier and helps remove waste products through the so-called glymphatic system.

The glymphatic system consists of channels surrounding the blood vessels. Through these channels, substances move into and out of the brain. In various forms of dementia, disease processes affecting the cerebral vascular bed play an important role.

Reduced blood flow, leakage of the blood-brain barrier and the accumulation of harmful proteins often occur together. In this project, we test the hypothesis that leakage of the blood-brain barrier disrupts the glymphatic system. This may accelerate the aggregation of amyloid beta in and around blood vessels, a condition known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA).

In this project, you will conduct preclinical studies using animal models, including a model for human CAA. You will investigate whether the blood-brain barrier is disrupted in this model and whether interventions targeting the blood-brain barrier influence the course of CAA.

You will use a range of techniques to study these processes, including:

We are looking for a graduate researcher with an interest in dementia, the cerebral vascular system and preclinical research. You have:

• a degree in Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience or Cardiovascular Sciences;
• an interest in preclinical research into neuroscience or the cardiovascular system;
• experience with MRI or other imaging techniques, which is an advantage;
• experience with preclinical research in neuroscience or the cardiovascular system, which is an advantage;
• Article 9 status, or at least eligibility to obtain Article 9 status.

Additional Information

• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of four years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Classification in salary scale OIO: € 3.217 to € 4.077 gross for full-time employment (depending on experience). In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Calculate your net salary here .
• Holiday hours: 194.4 per year for full time and a possibility to save additional hours.
• 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs. If you travel by foot, bicycle, or car, a mileage allowance of €0.21 per km applies (up to a maximum of 40 km one way by car).
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

Additional comments

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Erik Bakker, Associate Professor, at 020 566 5190 or at [e-mail].

A reference check, screening and hiring assessment 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 will not be considered.