The department of Medical Biology of the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam offers a PhD candidate position. 

This 4-year position is funded by the European Research Council (ERC StG to GJJB). The project investigates both gene and cell therapy based biological pacemakers including human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived therapies to repair atrio-ventricular conduction. Our ultimate goal is to realize and expand the clinical applicability of gene and cell therapy-based biological pacemakers to treat slow heart rhythm disorders (bradyarrhythmias). As a PhD candidate you will work on optimizing both gene and cell therapy-based biological pacemaker constructs. With regard to stem cells, you will work on the differentiation of hiPSC-derived towards various components of the pacemaker and conduction system. Moreover, you will prepare specific therapies for cardiac rhythm disorders that will be tested in vitro and in vivo (using small and large animal models of bradycardia). In this position you will eventually supervise a technician and/or a Master’s student, who will work with you towards the common goal of improving biological pacemaker performance. You are expected to design experiments, conceptualize therapeutic improvements, and interact with the gene/cell therapy and in vivo testing investigators to maximize scientific and therapeutic outcomes.

Candidates should have a Master’s degree in a life science subject, and preferably work experience with (pluripotent) stem cells and/or gene therapy, an excellent higher education track record and strong scientific curiosity. Fluent spoken and written English skills are required. We seek a highly motivated scientist who enjoys an interdisciplinary environment. You are able to work independently but also as part of a team, and need good communication skills.

You will be appointed as fulltime PhD for 36 hours per week. The position is for a period of one year and can be extended. The appointment is with AMC Medical Research BV. The salary is in accordance with the CAO-UMC’s scale 21 (a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.266,- in the first year to € 2.903,- in the fourth year), depending on background and experience. In addition we offer a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.