PhD - scholarship in Cardiac Arrhythmia Mechanisms, University of Copenhagen

PhD - scholarship in Cardiac Arrhythmia Mechanisms

A 3-year PhD scholarship is available at the Danish National Research Foundation Center for Cardiac Arrhythmia Research at the Department of Biomedical Sciences with starting date Oct 1st or as soon as possible thereafter.
 
BMI
The Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMI) conducts research that seeks to ensure the continued exploration and understanding of organ systems, pathology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. The Department is an important factor in basic research from a clinical perspective aimed at improving diagnostics and patient therapies. Department research is therefore often carried out in cooperation with clinical researchers and departments.
 
The Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia (abbreviated Danish Arrhythmia Research Centre or DARC) was established in September 2005 with the aim of clarifying how specific molecular alterations in cardiac muscle cells cause electrical instability and generate arrhythmias.
 
Job/Study Description
The PhD project seeks to understand arrhythmogenesis on a patient-near level. We will use induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients suffering from cardiac arrhythmia who carry mutations in ion channel genes. Cardiomyocytes derived from such material will be investigated by a multi-pronged approach using electrophysiological techniques (e.g. patch-clamp), molecular biology (e.g. qPCR), protein biochemistry and imaging techniques.
The project requires the use of methods like patch clamp techniques, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The successful applicant will work in the Ion Channel Group under the Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia Research.
 
Qualifications:

• A relevant master degree or exam at similar level
• Good knowledge within the field of electrophysiology
• Experience with the patch clamp technique and cardiac physiology will be considered an advantage. Especially experience in measurement of endogenous/native currents will be an asset.
• Initiative and independent effort will be required.
• As the project is conducted in collaboration between different labs in Denmark and Germany, team spirit, willingness to travel and fluency in English are require

Application Procedure:
 
Apply by clicking "Apply online" below. Please note that only online applications will be accepted.
 
Applications - in English - must include:

• Cover Letter detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project.
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (including grades)
• Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any), peer reviewed and others
• Letters of recommendation

 
The closing date for applications is 23.59pm, Aug 24th, 2012. Applications received later than this date will not be considered.
 
By the end of Aug 2012, all applicants will have received information regarding the evaluation of their application.
 
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 284 of 25. April 2008.
 
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.
 
Terms of employment:
The position is offered for a period of three years and employment is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).
 
Questions:
For specific information about the PhD scholarship, please contact Associate Professor Nicole Schmitt, e-mail: nschmitt@sund.ku.dk or Prof. Søren-Peter Olesen, e-mail spo@sund.ku.dk. Any questions regarding the application process or administrative queries of any kind should be directed to Academic Officer Sara Barazi, e-mail Barazi@sund.ku.dk.
 
For more information on working and living in Denmark: http://ism.ku.dk/, and www.workingconditions.ku.dk
 
The Faculty of Health Sciences comprises approximately 5000 students, 1000 PhD students and 1800 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community.
 
Apply online

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. With 37,000 students and 9,000 employees, it is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University consists of six faculties, which cover Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences and Theology.
Deadline: 24-08-2012
Publisher: Faculty of Health Sciences