PhD Candidate in Translational Research for Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)
Join an international consortium to develop novel biomarkers for diagnosing cerebral amyloid angiopathy and related neurodegenerative conditions.
Best for:Best for recent medical graduates or clinicians with a strong interest in neuroscience, biomarker research, and translational medicine, seeking hands-on patient engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Overview
This PhD position is part of the **TRAFFIC** consortium, an international research network aiming to bridge the gap between mechanistic research and clinical diagnostics for cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). CAA is a prevalent cerebrovascular disorder linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, yet current diagnostic methods lack sensitivity, particularly for early-stage and inflammatory subtypes. The PhD candidate will contribute to biomarker discovery, patient recruitment, lumbar puncture procedures, and data integration to refine diagnostic criteria. The project involves collaboration with seven research groups across the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and the USA, offering training through the **Leducq CAA Academy** and opportunities to present findings at international conferences. The role is ideal for motivated individuals with a medical background and a passion for translational neuroscience research.
What you'll do
- Conduct literature reviews to understand the background and objectives of the TRAFFIC study.
- Recruit patients for the study, perform lumbar punctures independently after training, and conduct neuropsychological assessments.
- Collect, manage, and analyze clinical, neuroimaging, and biochemical data using advanced techniques.
- Design and maintain a data management system to integrate biomarker information from international partners.
- Coordinate international collaborations to gather biomarker data from patients with CAA and related conditions.
- Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including a second PhD candidate specializing in biomedical sciences, and other consortium members.
- Engage with international partners to shape collaborations and train junior researchers within the consortium.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Prepare reports for funding bodies and ethical review committees.
- Actively contribute to the design and execution of study protocols.
Requirements
Degree required: Nearly completed or completed medical degree (MD or equivalent) with a strong interest in neurology or related fields.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English and Dutch; advanced proficiency in both required for patient interactions and reporting.
Instruction: English (primary), Dutch (secondary for local interactions)
- Experience or strong interest in neurology, neurovascular diseases, or neurodegenerative disorders.
- Proficient in performing lumbar punctures and neuropsychological assessments.
- Excellent written and spoken proficiency in English and Dutch.
- Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently, meticulously, and adapt to changing research conditions.
- Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and ethical standards.
- Open to candidates with a medical degree or those nearing completion.
- No restrictions on nationality or residency, but willingness to engage in international collaboration is essential.
- No age restrictions, but the position is designed for early-career researchers.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-22
Interested candidates should submit their application via the Radboudumc online portal. The application should include a detailed CV, a motivation letter, copies of academic transcripts, and contact details for two references. Ensure all documents are in English or Dutch.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Copies of academic transcripts (MD degree or equivalent)
- Two reference letters
Contact
Hiring Committee· TRAFFIC Consortium Recruitment
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