PhD in Cardiac Genetics: Cardiomyopathy and Risk Prediction
Join the MIRACLE-DCM project at Maastricht University to advance personalized risk prediction for genetic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Best for:Best for medical graduates with a strong interest in cardiology, genetics, and statistical data analysis.
Overview
Maastricht University invites applications for a PhD position within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) to work on the MIRACLE-DCM project. The successful candidate will investigate how specific genetic mutations influence the risk of severe cardiac arrhythmias and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Working in a multidisciplinary team bridging cardiology, clinical genetics, and data science, the researcher will analyze large existing databases to develop and validate mutation-specific risk models. The role involves translating complex genetic and clinical data into quantitative risk assessments to improve patient care and guide clinical decision-making.
What you'll do
- Identify and characterize specific mutations with aberrant ventricular arrhythmia risk within LMNA, FLNC, and TTN genes
- Analyze and integrate comprehensive genetic, clinical, and population datasets
- Apply and evaluate existing risk calculators for genetic dilated cardiomyopathy
- Determine mutation-specific risks for DCM development among asymptomatic family members
- Evaluate the added value of mutation-specific risk information for clinical decision-making and pre-implantation genetic testing
- Translate research findings into an interactive online application and formulate recommendations for national and international guidelines
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in Medicine
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Dutch and English; minimum C1 level proficiency in both languages according to the CEFR scale
Instruction: English and Dutch
- Demonstrated interest in cardiology and/or genetics through prior research or clinical internships
- Experience with scientific research and analysis of clinical or genetic data
- Solid knowledge of statistics, biostatistics, and epidemiological research methods
- Familiarity with genetic data analysis and genotype-phenotype association studies
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently in planning and executing research tasks
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-08 (Europe/Amsterdam)
Interested candidates should submit their application including a curriculum vitae, motivation letter, and contact details for two referees through the official application portal.
- CV
- Motivation letter
- 2 reference letters
Contact
Job Verdonschot· Project Contact
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