Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with limited treatment options. This project explores whether GLP-1 receptor agonists—currently used for treatment of obesity and diabetes—can protect the brain against Alzheimer-related changes under metabolic stress.As a PhD candidate, you will conduct murine experiments that include advanced imaging and behavioral testing at our
Preclinical Imaging Center (PRIME). Postmortem analyses, such as immunohistochemistry and biochemical assays, will be performed in our research laboratory at the Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy. Techniques will include longitudinal MRI (volumetry, diffusion imaging, perfusion and BBB integrity), cognitive assessments (Morris Water Maze, Novel Object Recognition), and detailed tissue analysis to uncover mechanisms linking metabolism and neurodegeneration.
Your work will provide translational insights into how metabolic risk factors influence Alzheimer’s disease and may inform future therapeutic strategies.
Profile
We are looking for a creative and motivated researcher with a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medical Biology, Cognitive Neuroscience or a related field. Experience with (preclinical) imaging, behavioral testing, or molecular techniques is an advantage.
Furthermore, you have:
- A permit to work with laboratory animals is considered an advantage (Dutch Article 9).
- Strong analytical skills, team spirit, and enthusiasm for translational research.
Organization
As a PhD candidate, you will perform murine experiments combining advanced imaging and behavioral testing at our
Preclinical Imaging Center (PRIME). Postmortem analyses, including immunohistochemistry and biochemical assays, will be conducted in our research laboratory at the Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy. You will also have your desk and primary workspace at the Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, where you will be part of a collaborative and multidisciplinary team.
RadboudumcWelcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.
Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare.
Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.Employment conditions
At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:
- Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€ 3.108 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3.939 based on a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
- 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week.
Comments and contact information
Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then call, send a message or email to
dr. Maximilian Wiesmann, assistant professor. Use the Apply button to submit your application.
