Project description.

While the adult human/mammalian heart cannot regenerate after an injury such as a myocardial infarction, some species like zebrafish have retained the capacity to regenerate their heart after injury. Mechanistic insights from studies on zebrafish heart regeneration may therefore contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to improve regeneration in the human/mammalian heart.

The regenerative capacity of the adult zebrafish heart is driven by the local induction of cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation and proliferation. However, very little is known about the mechanisms that initiate and restrict cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation and proliferation in time and space. Our laboratory has used spatially resolved and single cell mRNA-sequencing to discover myocardial factors that may be essential for heart regeneration.

In this project we will use single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics, loss-and-gain of function zebrafish and mouse models and high-resolution imaging to study these factors and uncover novel mechanisms that drive cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation, proliferation and maturation.

We are looking for an outstanding and driven PhD candidate (MSc or equivalent qualification) with a strong background in molecular biology, genetics and/or bioinformatics. Prior experience with zebrafish is an advantage but is not required. The candidate should be passionate about biology and be motivated to work in an ambitious, multidisciplinary and international research team. Additionally, as we are a cohesive and international group, the candidate should have excellent team player qualities and English communication skills.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year with an extension after positive evaluation.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €2.541,00 and the maximum salary is €3.247,00 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale P cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP. The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Hubrecht Institute

About the Hubrecht Institute
The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focusing on developmental and stem cell biology. At the institute, more than 20 research groups perform fundamental and multidisciplinary research, both in healthy systems and disease models. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and is located on the Utrecht Science Park 'De Uithof'. Since 2008, the institute has been affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht, advancing the translation of research into clinical practice. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

Group Bakkers

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.