SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

PhD student (m/f) vascular biochemistry (Maastricht (NL))

A myocardial infarction or an ischemic stroke is a dramatic and often fatal event. Even if a patient survives a myocardial infarction or stroke, that patient is often chronically impaired. An infarction occurs after a thrombotic occlusion of the artery of the heart or brain, mostly as a consequence of a damaged vessel wall due to atherosclerosis. This thrombosis consists of platelets, which attach to the damaged vessel wall and to themselves, thereby forming a blood clot. The common scientific view in medicine is that the thrombotic occlusion of a coronary artery is the major contribution of platelets to the clinical image of myocardial infarction. But what is much less well known, is that platelets are already involved in very early phases of atherosclerosis. Platelets are not only involved in hemostasis, but also in initiating and regulating inflammation. There is not that much known about the mechanistic aspects of the inflammatory activities of platelets. In the offered !
 project, the mechanisms about how platelets can accelerate atherosclerosis will be investigated on a cellular and molecular level. This, by looking inside the platelet, but also at the interface between the platelet and the vessel wall in laboratory and animal models. Eventually, the findings will enable the generation of a model of the pro-atherogenic function of platelets, which enables the design of novel therapeutics against atherosclerosis.

To complement our project team within the department of Biochemistry, we are looking for a person with a strong affinity for multidisciplinary research. Besides research about venous thrombosis in the department of Biochemistry, the role of signal and adhesion molecules in the development of atherosclerosis is investigated. The clarify the diverse aspects of the above mentioned disorders, a broad variety of state-of-the-art methods will be developed and applied.

The candidate has successfully completed a university (or equal) study within a biomedical, biotechnical, medical-technical, scientific, or pharmaceutical discipline and experience in, or a clear preference for cardiovascular research. Expected from the candidate are competences with regard to teamwork, scholarly knowledge, command of English language, as well as high motivation and flexibility and a clearly expressed desire to (further) develop these competences. The qualification to work with genetically modified organisms or a FELASA certification is a plus.

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Selected readings
- Projahn D, Koenen RR. Platelets: key players in vascular inflammation. J Leuk Biol. 2012
- Weber C, Noels H. Atherosclerosis: current pathogenesis and therapeutic options. Nat Med. 2011


Rory R. Koenen
rorykoenen@gmail.com
Maastricht University
Maastricht (NL)