PhD candidate | in computational modeling of atrial fibrillation | School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM) | Department of Cardiology | 1.0FTE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major global health burden, affecting millions of individuals. AF is associated with increased risk of stroke and heart failure, doubling cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although AF management has improved significantly in recent years, several limitations in AF detection, monitoring of patients diagnosed with AF and therapeutic targeting of patient-specific AF mechanisms hinder a detailed understanding of the dynamic relationship between risk factors, AF mechanisms, patterns and progression, as well as adverse outcomes such as stroke. Maastricht University has a long-standing interest in translational AF research. Within this research, computational modelling is becoming increasingly prominent, as it offer unique advantages, such as perfect control over individual parameters.

In this 4-year PhD project, you will join an international, multidisciplinary research team involving clinicians and scientists from the Depts of Cardiology and Physiology at Maastricht University aiming to develop a novel virtual-patient model that can simulate the clinical state during the entire lifetime of a cohort of thousands of virtual patients with minute-level resolution. This work is embedded within two large consortia (the European MAESTRIA consortium1 and the national EmbRACE consortium2). Within this team, you will continue the development of a recent proof-of-concept model, validating the model based on rhythm monitoring data available from clinical registries. You will have the opportunity to explore how mechanistic insights obtained within both consortia can be integrated into these patient-level models to bridge pre-clinical and clinical research; and will learn about virtual clinical trials to study new hypotheses. Besides working in a stimulating translational research environment, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of courses, as well as seminar series, workshops, etc., to advance your skills set.

1: https://maestria-h2020.com/
2: https://professionals.hartstichting.nl/actualiteiten/landelijk-onderzoek-naar-boezemfibrilleren (in Dutch)

The ideal candidate has successfully completed a master’s degree (or equivalent) in technical medicine, medical engineering, medicine, biomedical engineering or related disciplines. You are excited to work on an interdisciplinary 4 year PhD-program integrating computational approaches, mechanistic insights and complex clinical data. You have an interest in cardiovascular research, an analytical mindset, as well as excellent communication skills. Previous experience with computational modeling, or prior research experience in (cardiovascular) epidemiology or atrial fibrillation is considered a plus.

As a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university of the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is in graded in the UFO profile PhD. Your salary will be € 2,770 gross per month in the first year up to € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-candidate salary scale (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus are applicable.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1.0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, Click here

Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.  

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM.

At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total.

In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). 

FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+). 

FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of staff and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught Bachelor and Master's programs in innovative educational concepts, with the emphasis always on building bridges to practice

The multidisciplinary research of FHML focuses on several carefully chosen current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, this also involves research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The various research programmes are organised into six graduate schools and two research institutes.