The Maastricht Atrial Fibrillation Research Group is a network of scientists dedicated to research on atrial arrhythmias. The alliance is affiliated to the Academic Hospital and the University of Maastricht. 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 Dutch Research Organisation (NWO), the European Union (EU), and the Leducq Foundation.
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.
• Atrial-specific repolarising currents as drug targets for atrial fibrillation.
Positions available
Positions are available for scientists at different 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) or an MD in medicine with a background in cardiac physiology. 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 (Dutch language skills required). Integration of research activities in a clinical training program in cardiology (electrophysiology) is possible. Candidates should be willing and motivated to co-operate with other network partners.
What is on offer:
• A critical mass of world leading researchers dedicated to research on atrial arrhythmias.
• An extensive experimental lab infrastructure covering the whole field of electrophysiology from cell to patients (patch clamp, confocal Ca2+ 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 extremely 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:
Please explain your motivation to apply for the positions. Applicants are requested to include their CV and the names and email addresses of reference persons. Please send your application to applications@fys.unimaas.nl before 15 Oct. 2007. Applications of women are specifically invited. In the case of similar qualifications, competence, and specific achievements, women will be considered on preferential terms within the framework of the legal possibilities. Handicapped candidates with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.