PhD Student | Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Per December 1st 2023, we have a vacancy for a PhD student to work in the group of Dr. Tyler Kirby within the Department of Physiology at Amsterdam UMC. The PhD student will be involved in studying nuclear abnormities in the context of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

HCM affects ~1:200 - 1:500 individuals worldwide. HCM can lead to a number of cardiac complications, including atrial fibrillation, blocked blood flow, mitral valve disease, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Despite the significant advances in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of HCM, the heterogeneous clinical manifestations of disease have made it challenging to develop targeted therapies that modify disease progression and prevent adverse outcomes. HCM is typically caused by mutations in proteins that are located within the sarcomere (i.e. the contractile apparatus) of the cardiomyocyte, but it is now clear that ~50% of all patients have no known sarcomere mutation. Unexpectedly, even with a broader genetic screening panel, there is no pathogenic mutation identified to explain the hypertrophy in SMN patients, suggesting a novel disease-causing pathway.

This project aims to reevaluate how we think about pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and test the role of altered nuclear mechanotransduction and subsequent nuclear remodeling in the development of HCM.

As a PhD student you will work in an internationally-orientated research environment, where your main tasks and responsibilities are:

• Set-up, plan and conduct studies, often in collaboration with other researchers in the Department of Physiology;
• Collaborate with clinical partners to study disease mechanisms in explanted cardiac tissue;
• Conduct studies in a recently developed mouse model of HCM;
• Train MSc and BSc students who work with you on your project;
• Writing and publishing scientific manuscripts and other reports on study results;
• Present and disseminate research results at (international) conferences.

This work will result in a PhD thesis based in international, peer-reviewed publications. Training in research and transferable skills are part of the PhD trajectory.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious researcher with a strong motivation for doing a doctorate. You have a strong interest in cell and molecular mechanobiology, in vivo physiology and learning advanced imaging approaches.

In addition, you have:

• A MSc degree in Medical Natural Science, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Biomedical Engineering or a related discipline;
• Experience with basic cell biology techniques (experience with mammalian cell culture is highly valued, but not required)
• High level of independence and the ability to take ‘ownership’ of the project, but are also a pleasant team player able to work with people from different backgrounds;
• Good command, both spoken and written, of the English language.

Salary scale: OIO: € 2.789 tot € 3.536 gross based on a 36 hour week, depending on qualifications and experience.

The monthly wage will increase yearly to the maximum wage in the fourth year of EUR 3.536 gross per month.

In addition we offer:

• Additional benefits include an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay.
• The opportunity to follow further training and development.
• Pension is accrued at the ABP. VUmc contributes a large part of the premium (70%).
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, we reimburse 75% of your OV travel costs (commuting costs).

We offer an initial contract for 12 months that can be extended (after evaluation) for another 36 months.

The Department of Physiology at Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc) performs research in the area of muscle structure and function. The research groups use state-of-the-art physiological and imaging setups, animal models, stem cell-derived models, and human muscle biopsies to study muscle cell structure/function and to achieve insights into the pathophysiology of muscle diseases. For more information please visit the website.

In addition, our research group is embedded in two Amsterdam UMC research institutes: Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences and Amsterdam Movement Sciences. In this research area more than 150 persons from different disciplines (e.g. cardiovascular biology, physiology, health science, exercise physiology, etc.) collaborate.

Working at Amsterdam UMC means working in an inspiring and professional environment in which developing one`s talents and skills is encouraged. We offer you ample opportunity for career development, additional training and a place to grow!