Applications are now open for 15 fully funded PhD positions under the TrackAF Doctoral Network, supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. This large-scale European research initiative focuses on atrial fibrillation, one of the most common cardiac rhythm disorders worldwide.
The program is funded through Horizon Europe and brings together leading universities, hospitals, and research institutions across Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Austria. Successful applicants will receive full financial support, structured doctoral training, and international research exposure beginning 1 September 2026.The application deadline is 12 April 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Berlin time).
The TrackAF Doctoral Network aims to improve the understanding and management of atrial fibrillation by investigating atrial cardiomyopathy as a key underlying mechanism. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, the network explores structural and biological changes in the heart that contribute to disease progression.
This initiative combines expertise from biomedical engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, clinical cardiology, and wet-lab biology. Doctoral candidates will work in interdisciplinary teams and complete secondments at partner institutions across Europe.
There is no application fee.
The Marie Curie Doctoral Network provides a structured employment contract rather than a traditional scholarship. Doctoral candidates are hired as researchers and receive competitive financial benefits.
The total gross monthly salary typically ranges between €4,720 and €5,500 or more, depending on personal circumstances and host country.
Candidates receive a full three-year employment contract that includes:
This funding structure ensures financial stability throughout the PhD period.
Atrial fibrillation affects millions of people globally and increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. The TrackAF network aims to move beyond standard management approaches by addressing atrial cardiomyopathy, a structural and functional alteration of the atrial tissue.
Doctoral candidates will contribute to research areas that include:
The program promotes cross-sector exposure, allowing PhD candidates to work with clinical datasets, AI-driven models, laboratory experiments, and advanced simulation systems.
Below is the complete list of the 15 doctoral candidate (DC) positions available within the TrackAF network.
Each project includes international secondments and exposure to both academic and industry environments.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Candidates may apply before completing their Master’s degree. However, the degree must be awarded before 1 September 2026.
Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the host country for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before recruitment. Short stays such as holidays are not counted.
This rule ensures international mobility and cross-border academic exchange.
The program is open to candidates from all countries.
A Marie Curie PhD position carries significant academic recognition. The Doctoral Network structure emphasizes transferable skills, industry collaboration, and long-term career development.
Doctoral candidates collaborate with research institutions across several European countries. This international network strengthens academic credentials and professional visibility.
The TrackAF network provides structured training in:
Graduates of Marie Curie programs often move into academic leadership roles, industry research positions, or health innovation sectors. The combination of interdisciplinary research and international mobility increases employability.
The application process is straightforward but requires careful preparation.
Carefully examine the individual doctoral candidate (DC) projects. Applicants may apply to multiple positions if they meet the criteria.
All required documents must be combined into a single PDF file. This usually includes:
Send the complete application package to:trackaf@for.kit.edu
Late applications will not be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare documents early to avoid last-minute complications.