Open Phd position - TrainCKDis: Multidisciplinary Training in Chronic Kidney Disease

Open PhD Position – Marie Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN)

TrainCKDis: Multidisciplinary Training in Chronic Kidney Disease: From genetic modifiers to drug discovery

University of Zurich, Institute of Physiology, Zurich

Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders Group

PI: Prof. Dr. med Olivier DEVUYST, MD, PhD

A PhD position is currently available in a dynamic, international research group investigating epithelial cell disorders and the genetic architecture of kidney disorders.

• 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.
• 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.
• These studies will use available cell and transgenic mouse models, with access to technological platforms (phenotyping, imaging, cell physiology, functional genomics) and to patient material (European networks, biobanks).

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.

* Informations about our research can be found at: www.physiol.uzh.ch/en/research/institutegroups/grdevuyst.html

* TrainCKDis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/860977/de

Keywords: Kidney disease, epithelial cell, ion transport, GWAS, uromodulin

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.

Full time position upon PhD completion (4 years).

Language: English (Deutsch, French)

We offer: Excellent living conditions and attractive salary in Switzerland; 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 genetic architecture of kidney diseases.

The position is open from January 2023 until filled.

Please send: CV, bibliography, motivation towards the position (that could include a brief statement of own career objectives), and a list of 3 potential referees to: [email protected] .

Enquiries about the position should also be addressed to: [email protected] .