PhD student position: Aging and the control of mineral metabolism

Department of Physiology
PhD student position: Aging and the control of mineral metabolism
100 %
The project is located at the Institute of Physiology (group C.A. Wagner). The PhD is embedded into the PhD program “Biomedicine” under the umbrella of the Life Science Graduate School Zurich.
Your responsibilities
Phosphate and calcium are essential minerals and important constituents of the skeleton. Phosphate and calcium must be absorbed from diet, redistributed between different organs, and are either excreted into urine or reabsorbed by kidneys. These processes are controlled by transporters, hormones and metabolic factors and are important for bone health as well as for protection from uncontrolled mineralization (e.g. in the cardiovascular system or kidney stones). Aging is associated with changes in mineral metabolism, as well as with bone-remodeling, bone-loss and increased risk for renal and cardiovascular disease and death. However, the links between aging and all these processes are unclear.
The aims of the PhD project are 1) to analyze expression and function of mineral transporters in female and male human kidneys of different ages, 2) to examine age-dependent changes in mineral metabolism in humans and rats and the plasticity of the adaptive response to variations in mineral intake, 3) to test pharmacological or dietary interventions to revert age-dependent changes.
Your profile
We are seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented graduate candidate, with a strong interest
in human diseases and aging, cell biology and physiology associated with an understanding of complex metabolic and endocrine functions, who is eager to work in a dynamic, stimulating and modern laboratory environment and to apply state-of-the-art technologies to assess complex systemic functions in vivo.
The successful candidate should hold a diploma or a master degree in the field of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences or a related subject together with good bioinformatic knowledge. Proficiency in English, knowledge in bioinformatics and data analysis as well as a good knowledge of cell biology are required.
What we offer
We offer a highly stimulating and diverse research environment with state-of-the art infrastructure. The salary of the position is according to the regulations of the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Place of work
Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, Switzerland
Start of employment
09.01.2023
UZH on social media