PhD Candidate for the development of an electro-transcriptomics atlas of Atrial Fibrillation

Project - Developing Electropathology ATLAS of human AF

The current PhD project is a joint project with the departments of Physiology and Experimental Cardiology (Amsterdam UMC), and with the department of Translational Electrophysiology (Erasmus MC), and is part of the national AF consortium CIRCULAR of the NWA-ORC agenda of NWO. Previous research findings from our team identified proteostasis derailment to underlie AF. By utilizing transcriptomics we aim to identify additional pathways that may be involved in clinical AF onset and progression. The findings may lead to patient-tailored mechanistic insights and ultimately patient-tailored treatment.

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 AF patients and by utilizing innovative animal-free technologies. Findings may fuel discovery of effective treatments and diagnostics. Hereto, the non-profit AFIP foundation serves to co-create science and solutions with patients, researchers, and health professionals.

In line, we have a second PhD student project available: ‘Dissection of molecular root causes of AF; 

Job responsibilities 

• You will conduct independent and original scientific research that involves a wide range of molecular techniques;
• Perform studies in human heart samples of patients with AF;
• Become proficient in RNA biology, transcriptomics, (confocal) microscopy, big data analyses
• 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.

• You have a Master degree in Biomedical sciences or a related field (minimal requirement);
• Research experience in molecular and/or cellular biology;
• You have affinity with handling of big data or experience in bioinformatics;
• Experience with cardiovascular research is a plus.

Special requirement

Dutch residents who start working at Amsterdam 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.

We offer a position for 1 year (36 hours working week) with prospective start date January 1st, 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). 

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:

The Department of Physiology at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers is focused on research on cardiovascular disease, including atrial fibrillation (AF). The research is characterized by a multi-disciplinary and translational approach with strong interaction between fundamental and clinical studies.

Position and location:

You will be part of the AF research team of Prof. Bianca Brundel at the Department of Physiology (location VUmc) and Dr. Esther Creemers (Location AMC) at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers 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 Netherlands Heart Institute.