In our group we are interested in DNA- and RNA-biology underlying cardiac diseases, where we focus on inherited arrhythmias and inherited and acquired heart failure. To allow us to study the disease mechanisms in human cells we make use of cardiomyocytes, which we differentiate from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS).

This position will be focused on developing cellular models for studying how a mutation or loss of different RNA species leads to cellular phenotypes. The technician will culture the undifferentiated iPS-cells, differentiate them to cardiomyocytes and perform cellular and molecular assays to determine the phenotypes. Techniques that will be used on the cells or the cellular products are (among others): CRISPR/CAS9 in iPS-cells, RNA isolations, (allele-specific) qPCRs, western blotting, lentiviral transductions, immunohistochemistry and microscopy.

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with an HLO, bachelors or masters degree in Medical Biology, Life Sciences, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have some experience working in a biomedical laboratory and be familiar with basic molecular and cellular techniques, experience from internships is no problem. Communication skills in English, organization skills and the ability to work in a group are essential.

We offer a contract for 1 year with the possibility to extension, where you will be (further) trained in cellular and molecular techniques. This is a full-time position for 36 hours a week. You will be employed by the AMC Medical Research BV. The gross monthly salary is in accordance with CAO-UMC, scale 7 and ranges from €2178,- to €2950,- and is based on qualifications and experience. In addition, payment includes a holiday allowance of 8%, and end-of-the-year bonus of 8.3% of the gross annual salary. Furthermore, we offer reimbursement of (part of) the travel expenses and free parking.

AMC Medical Research

The AMC is more than just a hospital. It is a world in which patient care, research and education are integrated, and in which people are always central. It is an academic world full of possibilities for talented individuals that are looking for a place where they can excel. Thinking big, daring to dream, cooperating internationally. And never letting yourself be put off by ‘It’s not possible’ or ’It won’t work anyway’. That is the AMC mentality.

The department of Experimental Cardiology is a research laboratory consisting of 5 groups with their own group leader/principal investigator. The work in the department ranges from pure genetic studies to molecular studies on newly identified RNA-species to electrophysiological studies and combinations of these aspects. Our department is part of the ‘Hartcentrum’ of the AMC, which means we are connected to the clinical Cardiology department, which stimulates translational research that benefits the patients suffering from these life-threatening cardiac diseases.

The technician will be part of a small highly motivated group within the research group of 1 of our 5 principal investigators, this small group consists for now of 1 Post-doc, 2 PhD-students and 2 BSc-students. The group is under daily supervision of the post-doc, but in close contact with the principal investigator. The small group focuses on the human mechanisms and uses the iPS-cells available in our group.