Project Overview
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derivedcardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are transforming cardiac research by providingpatient-specific models for disease studies and drug safety testing. However,their full potential depends on achieving an adult-like, mature phenotype-achallenge that remains unresolved. Electrical pacing has emerged as a promisingstrategy to accelerate cardiomyocyte maturation, yet optimal protocols arestill under investigation.
This internship focuses on developing andoptimizing electrical pacing protocols to enhance the physiologicalrelevance of hiPSC-CMs. By improving key maturation markers-such asforce-frequency response, reduced automaticity, and anisotropic cellmorphology-you will contribute to creating more predictive models forcardiotoxicity assessment and cardiac disease research.
Why Join Us?
Modern life sciences increasingly integrate advancedelectronics for high-resolution monitoring and stimulation of living systems.At imec, our state-of-the-art CMOS micro-electrode array (CMOS-MEA)platform enables high-precision electrical interfacing with cell cultures atsingle cell resolution. As part of this project, you will also explore howenvironmental factors (e.g., light, temperature, electromagnetic interference)and system parameters (e.g., frequency, voltage, electrode configuration)influence signal quality and stability. Your work will help improve robustnessand reproducibility in real-world biological experiments.
What You'll Gain
Type of internship: Master internship
Duration: 2 - 6 months
Required educational background: Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Biomedical engineering
University promotor: Liesbet Lagae (KU Leuven)
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Yoke Chin Chai (< email deleted for security reasons >) and Lukas Fan (< email deleted for security reasons >)
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-106. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derivedcardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are transforming cardiac research by providingpatient-specific models for disease studies and drug safety testing. However,their full potential depends on achieving an adult-like, mature phenotype-achallenge that remains unresolved. Electrical pacing has emerged as a promisingstrategy to accelerate cardiomyocyte maturation, yet optimal protocols arestill under investigation.
This internship focuses on developing andoptimizing electrical pacing protocols to enhance the physiologicalrelevance of hiPSC-CMs. By improving key maturation markers-such asforce-frequency response, reduced automaticity, and anisotropic cellmorphology-you will contribute to creating more predictive models forcardiotoxicity assessment and cardiac disease research.
Why Join Us?
Modern life sciences increasingly integrate advancedelectronics for high-resolution monitoring and stimulation of living systems.At imec, our state-of-the-art CMOS micro-electrode array (CMOS-MEA)platform enables high-precision electrical interfacing with cell cultures atsingle cell resolution. As part of this project, you will also explore howenvironmental factors (e.g., light, temperature, electromagnetic interference)and system parameters (e.g., frequency, voltage, electrode configuration)influence signal quality and stability. Your work will help improve robustnessand reproducibility in real-world biological experiments.
What You'll Gain
- Hands-on experience at the intersection of bioelectronics and stem cell biology
- Skills in electrical stimulation protocols, biosensing technologies, and data analysis
- Contribution to cutting-edge research with direct impact on drug safety and cardiac health
Type of internship: Master internship
Duration: 2 - 6 months
Required educational background: Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Biomedical engineering
University promotor: Liesbet Lagae (KU Leuven)
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Yoke Chin Chai (< email deleted for security reasons >) and Lukas Fan (< email deleted for security reasons >)
The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-106. Mention this reference code in your application.
Only for self-supporting students.
Applications should include the following information:
- resume
- motivation
- current study
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
