PhD Candidate to dissect molecular mechanism of Atrial Fibrillation

The Netherlands Heart Institute (NLHI) fosters excellent cardiovascular research on national and international level. We support basic science, clinical research as well as public private partnerships In addition, the NLHI treasures patient participation. The mission of the NLHI is to develop new strategies for prevention, diagnosis and cure of cardiovascular disease by promoting cooperation between the cardiology departments of all university hospitals in the Netherlands. NLHI encourages young, talented researchers and coaches them to the top. We are the platform for the next generation of excellent researchers.

Host Department:

You will be part of the AF research team of Prof. Bianca Brundel at the Department of Physiology at the Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, in Amsterdam. The AF team is focused on dissection of molecular root causes of AF, identification of druggable targets and translation of knowledge to clinical AF trials. Findings are disseminated to the patient community via the non-profit organization AFIPonline.org. You will be appointed at the Netherlands Heart Institute.

Project – Dissection of molecular root causes of AFib

The current PhD project is part of the national AF consortium named CIRCULAR that is funded by the NWA-ORC agenda of NWO. Previous research revealed proteostasis derailment as a root cause of AF. How proteostasis derailment is exactly triggered in patients is not completely understood. Via citizen science with AF patients, we identified several triggers for AF. Within the current PhD project, trigger-induced AF will be studied in animal-free experimental AF model systems. This knowledge is utilized to identify druggable targets which may be translated to clinical AF trials.

You will become part of the CIRCULAR consortium

The ambition of the CIRCULAR consortium is to reduce the AF burden by testing how (toxic) triggers for AF result in molecular and electrical dysfunction and drive AF. This will be tested in co-creation with patients and by utilizing innovative animal-free technologies. Findings may fuel the discovery of effective treatments and diagnostics. Hereto, AFIP foundation serves to co-create science and solutions with patients, researchers, and health professionals.

We also have a second PhD Candidate project available: ‘Developing Electropathology ATLAS of human AFib’.

Job responsibilities:

You will conduct independent and original scientific research that involves a wide range of molecular techniques;
Perform studies in animal-free AF model systems;
Make yourself proficient in molecular biology, cellular biology, microscopy;
Work in close collaboration with the members of the CIRCULAR consortium and research groups at Amsterdam UMC;
Publish in renowned international scientific journals and present at (inter)national scientific conferences;
You are expected to successfully complete your PhD training program at the end of the 4th year, by a PhD dissertation;
Disseminate your findings to the patient community via AFIPonline.org

Your profile:

You have a Master degree in Biomedical sciences or a related field (minimal requirement);
Experience in cell culture, molecular biology and/or microscopy as well as biochemical analyses;
High motivation for translational research;
Experience with cardiovascular research is a plus.

Special requirement

Dutch residents who start working at Amsterdam U University Medical Centers will have to hand in a VOG before starting date. You need to have a DigID to be able to apply for a VOG.

Position and location:

You will be part of the AF research team of Prof. Bianca Brundel at the Department of Physiology at the Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, in Amsterdam. The AF team is focused on dissection of molecular root causes of AF, identification of druggable targets and translation of knowledge to clinical AF trials. Findings are disseminated to patient community via the non-profit organization AFIPonline.org. You will be appointed at the Netherlands Heart Institute.

We offer a position for 1-year (36 hours working week) with prospective start date January 1^st, 2023, which will be extended for another 3 years when functioning appropriately, with the goal to obtain a doctorate and become an independent scientist.

Salary

The salary for a full-time appointment will be scale OIO.0 (starting € 2.631) plus 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end bonus. Pay- and benefit package according to the collective labour agreement of the university medical centers in the Netherlands (CAO UMC).

Information

For more information about this vacancy you may contact: b.brundel@amsterdamumc.nl or cell phone 06-31 975 973.

Please send your application and CV plus and 2 references with their contact details by e-mail, stating ‘application Circular PhD Molecular and Cellular Biology’ to info@heart-institute.nl no later than November 13, 2022.