The Lab of Experimental Cardiology, part of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at KU Leuven, is led by Prof. Eef Dries and Prof. Llewelyn Roderick. Our research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying physiological and structural changes in the heart during disease and aging, which contribute to decreased function and arrhythmia. We employ advanced physiological and molecular technologies, from single cell analysis to multicellular native and engineered preparations, as well as in vivo studies, aiming to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical observations to define new therapeutic targets.

Project

• Investigate how aberrant calcium handling contributes to arrhythmogenesis in diseased cardiac tissue.
• Test interventions to modify defective calcium handling in cardiac tissue.

The candidate will prepare living cardiac slices from human samples of various disease etiologies and perform advanced live calcium and voltage imaging, combined with molecular analysis (Dries et al. 2021). Identified mechanisms will be targeted using pharmacological interventions and/or genetic modifications.

• Dries E, et al. Hyperactive ryanodine receptors in human heart failure and ischaemic cardiomyopathy reside outside of couplons. Cardiovasc Res. 2018;114(11):1512-1524. doi:10.1093/cvr/cvy088.
• Dries E, Amoni M, et al. Altered adrenergic response in myocytes bordering a chronic myocardial infarction underlies in vivo triggered activity and repolarization instability. J Physiol. 2020;598(14):2875-2895. doi:10.1113/JP278839.
• Dries E, et al. CaMKII inhibition reduces arrhythmogenic Ca2+ events in subendocardial cryoinjured rat living myocardial slices. J Gen Physiol. 2021;153(6):e202012737. doi:10.1085/jgp.202012737.
• Watson S, et al. Preparation of viable adult ventricular myocardial slices from large and small mammals. Nat Protoc. 2017;2(12):2623-2639. doi:10.1038/nprot.2017.139.

Profile

• We seek an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate with a Master's degree in Biomedical or Life Sciences (or equivalent). In-depth knowledge of the cardiovascular system and cell physiology is expected.
• You should be flexible, able to work independently and in a team, and possess a problem-solving attitude.
• Interest in working with patient and large animal model samples is required.
• Good communication skills in English and motivation to work in a multidisciplinary research team are essential.
• The candidate is expected to write a doctoral thesis within 4 years.
• A creative and technical mindset is a plus.

Offer

• We offer a fully funded doctoral fellowship (subject to successful intermediate evaluation after 1 year).
• Excellent research facilities and opportunities for broader skill development (training, education, and career development) are provided.
• You will be part of a multinational research group.

Interested?

For more information, please contact Prof. dr. Eef Dries, tel.: +32 16 37 94 54, email: eef.dries@kuleuven.be, or Prof. dr. Llew Roderick, tel.: +32 16 37 71 50, email: llewelyn.roderick@kuleuven.be.

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