The Netherlands : Universiteit Maastricht PhD-Students Atrial Arrhythmias

The Maastricht Atrial Fibrillation Research AllianceU. Schotten, MD, PhD M. Allessie, MD, PhD H. Crijns, MD, PhDis seeking PhD-StudentsWho we are:

The Maastricht Atrial Fibrillation Research Group is a network of scientists dedicated to research on atrial arrhythmias. The alliance is affiliated to the Academic Hospitaland the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands. Its mission is to explore the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation and to develop new diagnostic tools as well as therapeutic approaches both in animal models and in patients. The alliance closely co-operates with a variety of national, European and transatlantic networks of internationally recognized experts. The networks are financed by the Dutch Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW),the Center for Translational Molecular Medicine (CTMM), the Dutch Research Organisation(NWO), the European Union (EU), and the LeducqFoundation.

What we do:The projects involve

•Molecular and cellular mechanisms of atrial remodeling.

•The role of Ca2+as trigger of atrial arrhythmias and mediator of atrial remodeling.

•Diagnosis of the substrate of atrial fibrillation in animal models and patients using innovative mapping techniques.

•Optical mapping of membrane voltage and intracellular Ca2+and Na+concentration during atrial fibrillation.

•Further investigation of atrial-specific repolarisingcurrents as drug targets for atrial fibrillation.What we expect:Positions are available for scientists at various stages of their career (PhD-students, post-docs, staff members).Candidates for post-doc or staff positions should hold a PhD in life sciences (biology, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, biomedical engineering) or an MD in medicine with a research background. Candidates interested in experimental research should have experience either in cellular electrophysiology/Ca2+ imaging and/or animal models of cardiac arrhythmias. We especially would like to encourage young MDs with ambitions in clinical research to apply for the positions (Dutchlanguage skills required). Integration of research activities in a clinical training program in cardiology (electrophysiology) is possible.What we offer:

•A critical mass of world leading researchers dedicated to research on atrial arrhythmias.

•An extensive experimental lab infrastructure covering the wholefield of electrophysiology from cell to patients (patch clamp, confocalCa2+imaging, large animal facilities, advanced 3D conventional and optical mapping).

•A variety of clinically relevant and well established animal models.

•Access to national and international tissue-and clinical databank networks.

•State-of-the-art clinical EP labs fully equipped with the full range of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

•An inspiring working and teaching atmosphere.Together with the successful candidate we will determine the research project that fits best with your personal profile and specific interests and that would benefit most from your participation.

How to apply: Applicants are invited to send their CV and the names and email addresses of two reference persons together with a letter of motivation to applications@fys.unimaas. by the 20th June 2008.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Further Information:

http://www.fys.unimaas.nl/efprogram.html
http://www.carim.unimaas.nl/
http://www.ctmm.nl/
http://www.normacor.eu/
http://www.knaw.nl/akademiehoogleraren/benoemd2003.html
http://www.transatlantic-af-alliance.org/

Email:
h.cryns@cardio.azm.nl
Schotten@fys.unimaas.nl
m.allessie@fys.unimaas.nl