Early stage Researcher (PhD student candidate) - Marie Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) TrainCKDis:Multidisciplinary Training in Chronic Kidney Disease: From genetic modifiers to drug discovery

Institute of Physiology, Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders
Early stage Researcher (PhD student candidate) - Marie Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) TrainCKDis:Multidisciplinary Training in Chronic Kidney Disease: From genetic modifiers to drug discovery
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The University of Zurich (UZH) is offering a PhD position in a dynamic, international research group led by Prof. Dr. med Olivier Devuyst at the Institute of Physiology. The project is integrated in the Horizon 2020 funded TrainCKDis network on the genetic drivers and drug discovery approaches for kidney diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a global health problem, affecting more than 80 million patients in Europe alone.
Project description: TrainCKDis aims to provide high-level training in chronic kidney disease (CKD), a major public health burden. The project will provide scientific skills necessary for multi-level investigations relevant for nephrology, epidemiology, genetics, cell biology, and drug discovery.
The major goals of TrainCKDis include: i) the identification of genetic and epigenetic modifiers that predispose patients to CKD progression, ii) the identification of pathways and biomarkers for monitoring CKD progression and iii) the identification of novel therapeutic targets to improve the limited treatments for CKD.
TrainCKDis offers a unique combination of “hands-on” research training, non-academic placements, courses and workshops on scientific and transferable skills facilitated by the academic-non-academic composition of the consortium.
Your responsibilities
Based on a translational approach ranging from cellular to mouse models and human genetics, our group investigates how genes involved in rare and common kidney disorders may predispose to kidney disease in the general population – with a focus on UMOD , the gene coding for uromodulin – the most abundant protein excreted in normal urine.
You will be responsible to investigate the effects of the production of normal and mutant uromodulin on the kidney, using available readouts in established cell and transgenic mouse models. These studies will benefit from access to technological platforms (phenotyping, imaging, cell physiology, functional genomics) and to patient material (European networks, biobanks). You will be trained by experienced post-doc and advanced PhD student, with the help of dedicated technicians. This project is also part of the UZH research priority program ITINERARE on rare diseases.
The ultimate goals of our research are to get new insights into epithelial cell biology, and to better understand how disorders affecting the kidney tubule lead to renal disease progression and CKD. This includes the development of new diagnostic tests and innovative targets for treatment, in collaboration with SMEs or larger biotech companies.
Your profile
Motivated students with interest in cell biology/imaging and in disease-oriented research and/or molecular genetics are encouraged to apply. The TrainCKDis program is aimed at a new generation of high achieving early stage researchers. TrainCKDis will provide scientific skills necessary for thriving careers in a burgeoning area that underpins innovative technological development across a range of diverse disciplines like nephrology, epidemiology, genetics, cell biology, and drug discovery.
Upon start of the position, you must hold a master's degree in biology, medicine or any related life science field.
You show:

• Demonstrated experience in cellular studies or mouse models
• Technical expertise and interest in protein/RNA analyses, cell biology, molecular biology
• Open-minded and team-spirited personality
• Proficiency in written and spoken Englisch

Please keep in mind the eligibility criteria for the early-stage researchers in this program (please see page 83 of the MSCA work programme). In particular, at time of appointment, you must not have already obtained a doctoral degree. Also, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the appointment.
What we offer
We offer a first-class research environment, focused on a translational research with high medical relevance; multiple interactions and international environment within the University and Academic Hospital in Zurich; networking and recognition in the field of genetics, rare diseases, drug discovery.
The salary of this position is regulated by the EU.
Place of work
Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
Start of employment
The position is available for 4 years, starting on May 2023 or after.
Please send us your curriculum vitae, motivation letter, bibliography and a list of three potential references via our job portal.
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