Tenure track (assistant) professor 'Diagnosis and understanding of rare kidney diseases'

Our research focuses on the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying electrolyte and water transport processes in epithelia including kidney and intestine. Over the last decades, our group has identified many hereditary disorders of renal and intestinal ion transport. By the use of conditionally immortalized cell lines and overexpression of proteins of interest, we have characterized proteins and regulatory pathways of sodium, calcium and magnesium (re)absorption. Although these models have provided us with great insight in protein function, undifferentiated cell models cannot reproduce the complexity of the intestines and the kidneys.

In this assistant professor position, we aim to further enhance our current cell and tissue culture systems. We are actively improving current cell cultures by introducing advanced culture membranes and flow in our epithelial cell systems. Moreover, we aim to develop novel epithelial cell systems for functional electrolyte transport measurements by immortalizing primary cells and by developing organ-specific organoids.

Recently, organoids have been developed into innovative tools to study the normal and diseased organs. Although protocols are still being developed, iPSCs derived organoids already demonstrate higher expression levels of channels and transporters than most epithelial cell lines. In the coming years, we aim to further develop these kidney organoids to examine the pathogenicity of patient mutations, to study hormone and signaling pathways and to allow drug screening. Supported by our international network of collaborators, we aim to set the next step in epithelial electrolyte transport by developing the disease models of the future.

Tasks and responsibilities
At the stage of assistant professor 65% of your time is for research, 25% for teaching activities and 10% for organizational tasks.

• Develop your own research line and contribute to research lines in our department in the area of epithelial ion transport in the intestine and/or kidney.
• Supervise PhD candidates.
• Acquire external funding.
• Promote the societal relevance of your research.
• Work in an inspiring team of fundamental and translation scientists and lecturers to discuss, plan and perform research in an international environment.
• Teach in and contribute to the development of the degree programs in Biology, Biomedical Sciences and Medicine (BSc & MSc level).
• Contribute to the organization of the faculty, for example by participating in working groups and committees, in the domains of teaching, research and management.