1 PhD Research position in the field of atrial electrophysiology and computational approaches to atrial arrhythmias in Netherlands | Maastricht University

The Dept. of Physiology offers a PhD position/Early Stage Researcher in the field of atrial electrophysiology and computational cardiology to establish a 3D model of AF progression using a combined animal experiment and computational modeling approach. The position is associated to AFib-TrainNet funded from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions as a European Training Network (ETN).

The project aims at the development of a combined experimental and computational model to study 3D structure-function interaction of AF complexity as a mechanism causing AF progression. The model will be used and validated for predicting antiarrhythmic action of novel drugs at different stages of AF as a tool for more efficient drug discovery. The PhD candidate will be trained in advanced electrical mapping (simultaneous endo-and epicardial high density mapping) and imaging techniques (high resolution MRI) to correlate 3D patterns of fibrillation waves to complex atrial bundle architecture. The experimental data will be generated at different stages of AF in a well-established goat model of progressive electrical and structural atrial remodeling, and will be implemented into a 3D computer model of AF in collaboration with project partners at Simula Research Laboratory and Center for Computational Modeling in Cardiology (CCMC). The model will be tested for predicting the antiarrhythmic potential of new calcium- and acetylcholine activated K+ channel blockers at different stages of AF progression and validated in the AF goat model by drug testing experiments.

Requirements

The candidate holds a master in biology, medicine, biochemistry, pharmacology, biomedical engineering, or related disciplines. At the time of recruitment, the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of their host beneficiary for more than 12 months in the past 3 years. Excellent English skills are a prerequisite for this position. Previous experience with programming (Matlab), or experimental techniques in cardiac electrophysiology is considered a plus.

Conditions of employment

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply.

Temporary employment for 3 years. Your salary would be € 2.174,- gross per month in the first year up to € 2.779,- gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-student salary scale. Each year an evaluation will take place.