PhD candidate Biomarker Research in Kidney Transplantation

You will join our research line focusing on the value of non- (or minimally) invasive biomarkers in the diagnosis and prediction of acute rejection after kidney transplantation. Markers of interest include (in addition to clinical characteristics) donor-derived cell-free DNA, protein profiles (proteomics) and urinary chemokines. Acute rejection of a kidney transplant occurs in up to 20% of patients and is associated with poor transplantation outcome. A kidney biopsy is the gold standard to diagnose rejection, though a biopsy is an invasive procedure and puts patients at risk for procedure-related complications. Therefore one of the priorities in the transplantation field is the identification of non- (or minimally) invasive biomarkers capable to supplement (or even replace) the histopathological score.

You will combine available datasets to search for an optimal combination of parameters in the identification and prediction of rejection. Identified biomarkers will be measured in available material from kidney transplant recipients. An additional question is whether these biomarkers could guide anti-rejection treatment as well as monitor response to anti-rejection treatment. Timely and optimal treatment is necessary to prevent further graft damage and improve both patient and graft survival.