PhD Candidate 'Improved diagnostics and knowledge sharing for Multiple System Atrophy'

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare and severe brain disease that often manifests with Parkinsonian symptoms, but usually progresses much faster than Parkinson's disease. This research project attempts to offer solutions for two problems surrounding the disease MSA through two interconnected subprojects. First: the poor dissemination of (new) knowledge regarding MSA among professionals; second: the long time until diagnosis experienced by people with MSA.

Subproject 1 'MSA-Knowledge Radar'
Most neurologists see MSA only rarely. As a result, new insights regarding the recognition and diagnosis of MSA often do not reach them or only reach them late. It is also difficult for neurologists and scientists specializing in movement disorders to keep up with all new scientific information. The amount of research into MSA is growing rapidly and the knowledge is spread across many different scientific publications. Using artificial intelligence (AI) systems, we will develop knowledge transfer and training regarding MSA in a responsible and safe manner in this project. The core of this MSA-knowledge radar project is the development of an ongoing and largely automated process that converts new scientific knowledge about MSA into reliable and practically usable information for neurologists and scientists in the field of MSA.

Subproject 2: 'MAESTRO'
At the beginning of the disease, the symptoms of MSA and Parkinson's can strongly resemble each other. Because of this, it is often difficult to determine with certainty which disease it is at an early stage. The distinction is very important, because people with MSA usually respond less well to the medications used for Parkinson's. Furthermore, these medications can cause side effects in people with MSA. Additionally, it is the case that people with MSA often only receive their diagnosis after many years. They experience this as one of the most frustrating aspects of their disease.

The goal of the MAESTRO study is to find biomarkers with which MSA can be diagnosed as reliably as possible at an early stage. We are investigating whether a combination of different measurable biomarkers can help with this, such as for example biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid or blood, visible abnormalities on an MRI, or eye movement disorders. We are investigating people for whom neurologists suspect MSA, but for whom the specific condition cannot yet be determined with certainty during the first visit. It is precisely for these people that there is a need in daily practice for additional examinations that can help the physician to reach a reliable diagnosis more quickly. During the first research visit, various possible biomarkers are investigated. We then follow the participants for three years, after which the clinical diagnosis is established. In the MAESTRO study, we investigate which biomarkers best predict this clinical diagnosis.

It is recommended if, in addition to your research as a PhD candidate, you are willing to work an average of one day per week as a trial physician for multiple studies within the research team. You assess whether patients can safely participate in research and perform study-specific medical procedures. It therefore offers a nice opportunity to keep your clinical skills up to date.

You will be working in an enthusiastic, multidisciplinary team. You will become part of the dynamic research team of our Expertise Center for Parkinson & Movement Disorders at Radboudumc. Within this team, as a PhD candidate, you are responsible for your own research project focused on improved diagnostics and knowledge sharing about the disease multiple system atrophy (MSA). In this, you will work together with both clinical colleagues and the neurochemical research team.

In your activities, you will have a lot of interaction with a large group of other PhD candidates, senior researchers, healthcare providers, and experts by experience, all of whom are working on improving care and quality of life for people with Parkinson's and other movement disorders.

To fulfill the position of PhD candidate, it is essential that you are driven to provide practical substance to the execution of scientific research and have a great affinity with the subject. You are ambitious, eager to learn, take initiative, and propose feasible solutions.

You can work excellently independently, accurately, and in a structured manner. In doing so, you are flexible and can switch well between various tasks, teams, and changing circumstances in which you must carry out your research. You are also integer and careful regarding privacy-sensitive information.

Furthermore, you recognize yourself in the following profile:

• (Nearly) graduated in Medicine.
• Affinity with clinical translational research in which both qualitative and quantitative methods are used.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Dutch and in English.
• Good skills in the areas of communication, collaboration, planning, and organization to set up and execute this challenging project, together with the research team and other stakeholders.

• A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required for this position.

We are recruiting for this vacancy ourselves. We do not appreciate acquisition; however, sharing within your network is welcome.