PhD in cardiac electrophysiology

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) caused by life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias can affect young adults and children as a result of inherited cardiac disorders, including cardiomyopathies and primary electrical disorders that occur in the absence of structural abnormalities of the heart. These conditions are linked to SCD in young, otherwise healthy individuals and are caused by monogenic defects in genes encoding cardiac proteins.

At the Department of Experimental Cardiology, research focuses on identifying novel disease mechanisms underlying inherited forms of SCD, with the aim of developing new therapeutic strategies. In this context, the role of cell types other than cardiomyocytes is becoming increasingly relevant, opening up potential new avenues for risk stratification and treatment.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

You will work on a challenging project that explores the impact of genetic mutations in various cardiac cell types, as well as the modulatory role of the autonomic nervous system. You will investigate the (electro)physiological consequences in cardiomyocytes and other cell types, including neurons, and study how they interact.

To achieve this, you will combine electrophysiological techniques, such as patch-clamp analysis and optical mapping, with molecular approaches using human and animal disease models.

• You hold a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, physiology, neuroscience, or a related field.
• You have a strong affinity for laboratory work and are eager to engage in hands-on experiments involving advanced techniques such as patch-clamp electrophysiology, hiPSC-derived cells, and animal models.
• Prior experience with electrophysiological techniques is strongly preferred.
• You are proactive, work well in a team, and possess perseverance, a critical mindset, and a collaborative attitude.
• You have excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written.

When applying for this position, please submit the following documents:

• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
• A concise cover letter outlining your motivation to pursue a PhD in cardiac electrophysiology.
• The names and contact details of two academic or professional referees.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
• Holiday hours: 190.4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

The project will be conducted in the group of Dr. Carol Ann Remme at the Department of Experimental Cardiology of Amsterdam UMC (location AMC). The department is internationally recognized for innovative basic and translational research with well-established expertise in (multi)cellular cardiac electrophysiology, cardiogenetics and molecular biology.

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

Watch the video to find out more.