About the Project
The SYNERGY project aims to unravel the mechanisms of neuronal stress and recovery in the ischemic penumbra — the zone of partially injured but potentially recoverable neurons surrounding a brain infarct. Using advanced in-vitro models, we study how metabolic stress affects neuronal network function and how recovery can be enhanced, with the eventual goal to translate findings to the clinic.
We are currently developing a stable, long-term, high-throughput experimental system to study neuronal network activity under controlled metabolic stress. This platform enables systematic investigation of how neurons transition between reversible and irreversible dysfunction and allows testing of candidate interventions — such as metabolic support strategies, neuromodulation protocols, or electrical stimulation — to enhance resilience and promote recovery. These findings will inform the development of clinically relevant neuroprotective and recovery-oriented strategies.
Overall, SYNERGY bridges experimental neurobiology, biophysics, and computational analysis to provide mechanistic insight into neuronal survival pathways and guide future translational approaches for patients with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
Your Role
As a PhD candidate in the SYNERGY project, you will design and perform in-vitro experiments using MEA electrophysiology, live-cell imaging, and related techniques. You will study neuronal failure and recovery after metabolic stress in rodent and human iPSC-derived cultures, and evaluate potential recovery-enhancing interventions. You will also help refine the experimental setup for stable long-term measurements, analyze large-scale electrophysiological and imaging data, and collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, engineers, and clinicians.
Information and application
Are you interested in joining our team? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before January 14, and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
- An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
Start date: flexible, preferably in the first half of 2026.
For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Michel van Putten (m.j.a.m.vanputten@utwente.nl)
Screening can be part of the procedure.
About the department
The Clinical Neurophysiology (CNPH) group focuses on understanding brain function and dysfunction through the integration of experimental, computational, and clinical approaches, focusing on cerebral ischaemia and epilepsy. Our translational research bridges basic neurophysiology and clinical neurology to improve diagnostics, prognostication, and therapy.
You will work in close collaboration with partners in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and clinical research.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
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