PhD fellowship in "Regulation and quantification of atrial ISK in health and disease"

The Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (SUND), University of Copenhagen, Denmark is offering a PhD fellowship starting March 1st, 2016.



Project description:

SK channel inhibition has in short-term AF models been found to be antiarrhythmic. However, the role of these channels in healthy and AF atria is unclear and, importantly, the effect of vagal and sympathetic activation on the SK current has not yet been addressed. The aim of this project is to perform such investigations in both a rodent and pig model of vagal, and potentially sympathetic, induced AF. The studies will include electrophysiology (both in vivo and ex vivo), pharmacology, and biochemistry. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with Acesion Pharma, Copenhagen and Clyde Biosciences, Glasgow where to longer secondment periods have been scheduled.



This PhD scholarship is an integrated part of AFib-TrainNet (http://afib.ku.dk/). This doctoral training network consists of top European institutions and highly specialized biotech companies with the complementary competences needed to produce both outstanding research results and an excellent training environment for early stage researchers (ESRs). In the Network, 15 ESRs from the partner institutions will enroll simultaneously, and together benefit from an extensive web of training events. AFib-TrainNet also features a number of longer secondment periods to partners within the Network. This coordinated research exchange reflects our focus on top-level interdisciplinary science, and ensures that ESRs have the opportunity to forge strong relationships cross-network and reap the benefits of the world-class, highly interdisciplinary team of collaborating partners.



AFib-TrainNet is funded from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions as a European Training Network (ETN).



More information is available from the principal supervisor:

Thomas Jespersen, M.Sc, PhD, DMSc

E-mail: thojes@sund.ku.dk

Direct phone +45 24805190

Homepage: http://www.bmi.ku.dk/cardiac_physiology



Required qualifications:

•A master’s degree obtained before Marts 1st 2016

•Solid level of English (written and oral)



General job description

Your key tasks as a PhD fellow at SUND are to:

•manage and carry through your research project both in Denmark and abroad

•take the assigned PhD courses

•write scientific articles and your PhD thesis

•participate in national and international congresses and scientific meetings

•teach and disseminate your research



Key criteria for the assessment of candidates:

•Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD program

•Previous publications

•Animal handling experience (Felasa C)

•Relevant work experience

•Other professional activities

•Language skills

•The successful candidate is also required to be enterprising and to possess good interpersonal skills



Formal requirements:

The position is available for a 3-year period for applicants holding a relevant masters´ degree. As the PhD scholarship is a part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions European Training Network, the candidate must only have stayed in Denmark 12 months the last 3 years.

It is a prerequisite that the PhD candidate is enrolled as PhD student at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen according to the rules stipulated in "Bekendtgørelse nr. 18 af 14. januar 2008 om ph.d.-graden (Ministerial Order on the PhD Course of Study and on the PhD degree of January 14th, 2008)."



Terms of employment:

Salary and other terms of appointment are set in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).



Application procedure:

Applications in English must include:

•Cover letter, stating the PhD project you are applying for and detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project

•Curriculum Vitae

•Diploma(s) and detailed transcription of records

•Personal recommendations

•List of publications if any

•A maximum of three relevant scientific works which the applicant wishes to have included.



The application will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no 242 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities of March 13th, 2012. The University of Copenhagen encourages all interested in this post to apply. Apply by clicking “apply now”



Deadline: November 1th, 2015.



The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises app. 7500 students, app. 1500 PhD students and app. 3200 employees. The Faculty creates new knowledge and recognition 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 for the benefit of patients and the community.



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.