PhD vascular cell biology
The Integrity of the Vascular Endothelium
Blood vessel formation is essential for development and tissue health. Endothelial cells in the vessel wall are connected by molecular junctions that maintain vascular integrity. Recent discoveries show that mechanical tension at these junctions can generate protective signals, helping blood vessels adapt to changes in blood pressure.
However, in vascular diseases such as hypertension and arterial stiffening, these connections weaken, leading to increased vessel permeability and leakage. In this project, you will investigate how endothelial cells sense and respond to changes in tension and stiffness. You will identify key molecules that regulate endothelial adhesion and use advanced microscopy to visualize their functional roles.
If you're passionate about vascular biology and cutting-edge imaging techniques, we encourage you to apply!
Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.
We offer an exciting PhD research opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic fundamental researcher at Amsterdam UMC. This position is ideal for someone with a passion for both molecular and translational research and who thrives in a collaborative, dynamic team.
As a PhD candidate, you will:
- Work closely with experienced researchers, fellow PhD students, and undergraduate students.
- Independently design and conduct experiments while contributing to new research projects.
- Analyze and interpret data, present findings at conferences, and publish in scientific journals.
- Play a key role in advancing our understanding of vascular biology.
- You hold (or are about to complete) an MSc in Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- Having experience in cell biology is highly valued.
- You have strong communication skills and a good command of written and spoken English.
This is a versatile and stimulating research position that will allow you to develop both scientifically and professionally. If you’re ready to take on this challenge, we encourage you to apply!
- A flying start to your career in scientific research.
- Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
- Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
- You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
- A contract for 12 months with the intention to extend for the duration of the PhD (4 years).
- Salary scale OIO: € 3.017 to € 3.824 gross per month gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
- Holiday hours: 190,4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
- Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
- For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
- Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.
Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.
Watch the video to find out more.
At the department of Medical Biochemistry at Amsterdam UMC, fundamental and translational research is conducted to solve key problems across the fields of cardiovascular, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. We are a diverse and international team that is eager to explore innovative research lines, striving for excellent science and impactful discoveries. The Huveneers Lab consists of 8-10 researchers, including postdocs, PhD students, technicians, and undergraduate students, who collaboratively study the mechanisms of endothelial cell interactions in vascular development and disease.
Check out the department website!
During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.
If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Dr. Stephan Huveneers, Associate Professor, via s.huveneers@amsterdamumc.nl.
For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, Recruitment advisor, via r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.
A reference check, screening and hiring test 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 is not appreciated.