Sunday 13 September 2009

Postdoctoral Position in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Switzerland

Postdoctoral position in cardiac electrophysiology
(experimental/computational)



Dr. Jan P. Kucera


Description
Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) are prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality. The general goal of our research is to better understand the fundamental mechanisms leading to altered propagation of the electrical excitation (action potential) in cardiac tissue. Our interdisciplinary approach involves experiments (cardiac cell cultures grown on microelectrode arrays) and mathematical modeling (computer simulations of the action potential).
Research project: Propagation velocity and action potential duration depend on one or several previous diastolic or interbeat intervals. This dependence, called "restitution", is involved in the generation of arrhythmias. Our aim is to explore restitution by pacing cardiac tissue using innovative protocols during which pacing intervals vary from beat to beat, and by developing novel analyses to extract quantitative information regarding restitution parameters and their involvement in arrhythmia generation.
The project is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The presence of other cardiac electrophysiology research groups in our Department of Physiology and our integration in the Swiss Cardiovascular Research and Training Network provides the opportunity for many collaborations and scientific exchange.


Education
A doctoral degree is required (as this is a postdoctoral position).


Capacities in mathematics and computer programming (e.g., C/C++, Matlab, IDL) and the motivation to apply these skills for the analysis of experimental data and for the development of models represent a major advantage.


Entrance upon
The position is open immediately.


Duration
Granted until March 31, 2011, prolongation depending on funding.


Contact
Dr. Jan P. Kucera
Department of Physiology
Bühlplatz 5
3012 Bern
kucera@pyl.unibe.ch
 
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