PhD Student Mesoscale Cerebellar MRI, Amsterdam

About the Project The human cerebellum is a highly convoluted brain region whose mesoscale functional organization remains largely unexplored with current in‑vivo imaging techniques. In this NWO‑funded Vici project, we will employ Ultra‑High Field MRI (7T) and recent advances in hardware, acquisition strategies and image analysis to visualise the functional subunits within the cerebellar cortex. The PhD project focuses on high‑resolution morphological and functional imaging of the human cerebellum, including parallel‑transmit, quantitative, diffusion‑based microstructural, and BOLD‑based fMRI approaches.

Responsibilities

Lead the acquisition and analysis of multimodal sub‑millimetre MRI data—including structural, microstructural, vascular, and functional datasets—for the human cerebellum.

Develop, optimise and implement parallel‑transmit pulse sequences and advanced MRI protocols on a 7T scanner.

Analyse multimodal imaging data to identify and characterise mesoscale functional subunits within the cerebellar cortex.

Collaborate across the Ultra‑High Field Neuroimaging group, integrating imaging findings into interdisciplinary neuroimaging studies.

Prepare scientific manuscripts and conference presentations, contributing to the project’s publications.

Qualifications

MSc (or imminent MSc) in biomedical engineering, physics, biology or a related field.

Demonstrable interest in MRI or medical imaging; a keen focus on high‑resolution imaging of the human cerebellum is a plus.

Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Programming experience in Python or MATLAB.

Familiarity with pulse‑sequence development (preferred).

Strong teamwork skills and willingness to collaborate with physicists and neuroscientists.

What We Offer

1.0 FTE (38 h/week) for 4 years.

Monthly gross salary€ 3 059–€ 3 881 depending on education and experience, plus 8 % vacation allowance, 8.3 % year‑end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home‑working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

Access to state‑of‑the‑art 7 T MRI hardware and associated neuroimaging facilities.

Collaborative research environment in the Ultra‑High Field Neuroimaging group of the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience and the Spinoza Centre.

Opportunities for further technical and personal development through courses and national/international conferences.

Full‑time employment within the PhD scale Cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW system.

Employment Details

Location: Amsterdam, NL.

Contract duration: 1 year with extension up to 4 years.

Closing date: 5‑6‑2026.

Contact: Dr Wietske van der Zwaag ().

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