PhD candidate designing a patient-specific expandable vascular graft

About your role

As a PhD candidate, you will work on innovative solutions for patients with a univentricular heart who require the Fontan procedure. This surgery is crucial for their survival, but recent findings from our multidisciplinary research group indicate that the synthetic conduit, or Fontan tunnel, may become too small for older patients, necessitating reintervention. You will contribute to the development of a patient-specific expandable vascular graft, a project funded by the Dutch Heart Foundation, which consists of two phases. In the first phase, you will join a collaboration with the University of Amsterdam, where you will study the material design and structural mechanics of the new graft using finite element analysis. In the second phase, you will participate in the manufacturing of a prototype and the subsequent in vitro testing and validation in an advanced hybrid experimental setup, collaborating with LUMC and the University of Twente. Your top three tasks are:

• Investigating material design and structural mechanics of the graft using finite element analysis.
• Participating in the manufacturing of a prototype and conducting in vitro testing and validation.
• Collaborating with clinicians and engineers within a multidisciplinary team to develop innovative solutions for children with congenital heart defects.

You will work within a team of leading clinicians and engineers from various institutions, united by the common goal of optimizing care for children with congenital heart defects.

About your workplace

You will be flexibly based at both the Amsterdam university Science Park, the University of Twente and at the LUMC, department of Cardiothoracic surgery, depending on the phase of the project working closely together with engineers and clinicians.

The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at LUMC collaborates with Amsterdam UMC within the Institute for Heart and Lung Surgery Netherlands. These departments are internationally recognized for their expertise in heart and lung surgery, including valve repair and congenital heart defects. LUMC and Amsterdam UMC are leading centers for medical innovation and contribute to improving patient care through high-quality, internationally renowned research.

You will be part of a collegial team of clinicians and researchers dedicated to treating complex heart and lung issues. The culture emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development, allowing for personal contributions. You will have the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking projects and work with the latest techniques, enabling you to learn from experts and contribute to research with a direct impact on patient care.

About you

You have a strong interest in the intersection of science and technology, with the drive to contribute to innovative solutions in healthcare. You are proactive and focused on collaboration within a rapidly changing multidisciplinary team of engineers and clinicians. Additionally, you are eager to learn and willing to acquire new skills in computational fluid dynamics, numerical, and experimental methods. Furthermore, you have:

• A master's degree in science or engineering, such as Clinical Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience in mechanical modeling and simulation, preferably with finite element analysis (COMSOL, LS-DYNA, Abaqus, FEBio, etc.).
• An affinity for material design and computational techniques.

Our offer

Driven by health; that's our mission. This applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. With Future@Work, we guarantee a pleasant working environment and provide room for development. In order to be able to continue to learn and develop, we offer internal and external training. You are also entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), holiday allowance, sports budget, bicycle scheme and reimbursement for commuting expenses. Furthermore, as an employee of LUMC, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fund. This means that 70% of your pension premium is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. Nice, right?

See all employment conditions of the LUMC.

What do we represent?

Our health is our greatest asset. Unlike any other profession, in healthcare, you can fully appreciate the entire spectrum of humanity in all its breadth. LUMC, as an academic medical center, wholeheartedly embraces that diversity! We strive for the highest quality in healthcare, education, and (international) research. We aim to be a creative and inspiring workplace. It is essential that everyone feels at home, safe, and recognized. That is why the LUMC was the first academic medical center to partner with Workplace Pride. Our active network, LUMC Pride, is dedicated to optimal inclusivity and diversity within our organization. Regardless of origin, gender, appearance, age, identity, orientation, (physical) disability, or faith, you are a valuable part of our organization. Together, we are LUMC.

More information

• As a PhD candidate, your salary will range from a minimum of €3,017 to a maximum of €3,824 gross per month (Scale Pro, CAO UMC). These amounts are based on a full-time employment contract.
• Interviews with the selection committee will take place in early November. Detailed information about the next steps in the recruitment process will follow soon. The employment starts on January 1, 2025, and is for the duration of the four-year training program.
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.