The ultimate goal is to deliver genes or compounds (i.e. synthetic nucleic acids, proteins, small molecules) to the damaged heart that trigger myocardial repair. To this purpose, several different approaches will be pursued aimed at (1) induction of proliferation of cardiac cell types and (2) prevention/inhibition of cardiac cell death. Your first task will be to evaluate different viral and non-viral methods for cardiac delivery of genes/compounds using primary, conditionally immortalized and/or stem cell-derived human cardiomyocytes as well as human cardiac tissue slices as targets. Once the optimal method(s) to modify human heart tissue has/have been identified, you will study the myoregenerative potential of “growth-promoting” factors in the same models as well as in in vivo and ex vivo experiments with hearts of mice or rats. In the performance of these tasks you will receive technical support of your team members and guidance from the group leaders.

In short

·       You are a skilled cell/molecular biologist with a special interest in regenerative medicine, gene transfer and genome editing and with a PhD degree in a relevant area (e.g. life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, chemistry)

·       You will work on methods to restore the pump function of hearts suffering from loss of contractile tissue as a result of acquired or inherited diseases

·       You are a hardworking, result-oriented, inventive and critical scientist with a go-getters mentality, who thinks in terms of solutions instead of problems

·       You are a real team player with a special talent for organizing and executing multiple subprojects and for collaborating with other researchers

We seek a postdoctoral fellow with a proven track record in cell/molecular biological research and a special interest in regenerative medicine. Having experience with the isolation and culture of cardiomyocytes, the ex vivo culture of tissue slices and/or experiments in laboratory rodents are considered an advantage. In addition, you possess excellent written and verbal English communication skills (CEFR level C1/C2) and preferentially master the Dutch language. As to your personal qualities, you are a very determined, independent, reliable and creative problem-solver, who likes to work in a team and to share scientific ideas and discuss experiments with colleagues.

Fixed-term contract: duration project.

You will be employed on the basis of 36 hours per week. Appointment will initially be for 12 months, which may be extended to a maximum period of 36 months. The maximal salary for this position is € 4,615 depending on your experience. 

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!