PhD Student Molecular Cardiovascular Aging
Targeting endothelial-cardiomyocyte crosstalk to treat aging.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is rapidly becoming one of the largest unmet clinical challenges in cardiovascular medicine. HFpEF predominantly affects elderly patients and currently lacks effective targeted therapies. Increasing evidence suggests that aging-induced dysfunction of the cardiac microvasculature plays a central role in disease development.
We are looking for an ambitious and highly motivated PhD candidate to join a newly funded Vici project from the Dutch Research Council (NWO/ZonMw), led by Prof. Reinier Boon, focused on the role of endothelial cells in aging-induced heart failure.
In this project, you will investigate how aging alters communication between endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes, and how this contributes to impaired cardiac relaxation and HFpEF. The project combines cutting-edge molecular biology, single-cell omics, proteomics, engineered heart tissue models, human cardiac tissue, and in vivo cardiovascular models to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiac aging.
As a PhD candidate, you will work at the interface of cardiovascular biology, aging research, and translational medicine. Depending on your background and interests, your work may include:
- Studying endothelial–cardiomyocyte communication in aging;
- Studying endothelial–cardiomyocyte communication in aging;
- Performing advanced molecular and cellular biology experiments;
- Working with human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells;
- Applying single-cell and spatial transcriptomics approaches;
- Using engineered heart tissues and cardiac organoid systems;
- Performing proteomics and bioinformatic analyses;
- Conducting in vivo experiments in mouse models of HFpEF;
- Testing novel therapeutic approaches targeting endothelial dysfunction;
- Presenting your work at international conferences;
- Publishing your findings in renowned scientific journals.
You will work in a multidisciplinary and international team of PhD students, postdocs, clinicians, and technical staff, and collaborate with leading cardiovascular researchers in the Netherlands and abroad.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented candidate with:
- An MSc degree in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, cardiovascular research, physiology, medical biology, or a related field;
- Strong interest in cardiovascular disease, aging biology, and translational science;
- Excellent communication skills in English;
- A proactive and independent working attitude;
- Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.
Experience with one or more of the following is considered an advantage:
- Molecular and cellular biology;
- Cardiovascular physiology;
- RNA biology;
- Single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics or bioinformatics;
- Cell culture and stem-cell derived models;
- Animal models;
- Imaging, microscopy, or proteomics.
- You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
- A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of four years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
- Classification in salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross for full-time employment (depending on experience). In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Calculate your net salary here. As of 1 July 2026, the salary will be increased by 3.5% in accordance with the collective labor agreement (CAO UMC).
- Holiday hours: 194.4 per year for full time and a possibility to save additional hours.
- 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs. If you travel by foot, bicycle, or car, a mileage allowance of €0.21 per km applies (up to a maximum of 40 km one way by car).
- Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme.
- Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
You will join the Department of Physiology at Amsterdam UMC, a highly collaborative environment with strong integration between fundamental and clinical cardiovascular research. The Boon laboratory studies vascular and cardiac aging, intercellular communication, and non-coding RNA biology in cardiovascular disease.
The project is embedded within Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences (ACS) and involves collaborations with national and international experts in cardiovascular biology, single-cell genomics, engineered heart tissue models, and translational gene therapy.
Amsterdam UMC offers excellent research infrastructure, including state-of-the-art genomics, proteomics, imaging, and animal facilities.
Amsterdam UMC Research BV
Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.
Watch the video to find out more.
For more information about our employment conditions, please visit our website.
Dutch residents who will start working at VU University Medical Center will have to hand in a VOG before starting work. You need to have a DigID to be able to apply for a VOG.
Foreign candidates can apply for a Dutch Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) via Justis English information.
Further information
The prospective start date is: 01-07-2026
Please include the following in your application:
- Motivation letter, including a brief description of previous research experience;
- CV;
- Copies of your university transcripts (Master’s level);
- Contact information of two references.
For scientific information about this position, please contact: Prof. dr. Reinier Boon at r.a.boon|@amsterdamumc.nl.
For more information about the application procedure, please contact Freek van der Hoeve, Recruitment Advisor, at f.r.vanderhoeve@amsterdamumc.nl.
We do not appreciate acquisition in response to this vacancy.
