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PhD Candidate 'Organoid models to study mitochondrial kidney disease'

  • Schaal 10A/10
  • Opleidingsplaats
  • Research
  • €3.108 - €5.669
  • 36 uur
  • Sluit op
    24-05-2026
Solliciteer direct

Jouw functie

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research team. The project focuses on the functional effects of disease‑causing mtDNA mutations in kidney organoids.

Kidney tubulopathies are genetic disorders affecting kidney tubule function, leading to blood pressure changes, electrolyte imbalances, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. No curative therapies are available, and current treatment remains symptomatic. Recently, we identified mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations as a previously undetected cause of kidney tubulopathies, due to their absence in standard genetic testing. However, research has been hampered by the lack of accurate laboratory models and techniques to edit mtDNA.

In this project, we will develop patient‑derived kidney models, correct mtDNA mutations using advanced techniques, and investigate the consequences for ion transport. Our interdisciplinary team combines expertise in mitochondrial gene editing, kidney organoids, and functional testing to determine how these mutations cause disease. This will yield new insights, improved diagnostics, and tools for future therapies.

In this project, you will:

  • study the molecular mechanisms that cause mitochondrial kidney disease.
  • develop state‑of‑the‑art patient‑derived kidney organoids.
  • work in a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, and patients to improve the diagnostics and therapy of patients with tubulopathies.

Jouw werkplek

In this position, you will design and perform scientific research in the fields of genetics, nephrology, and physiology. You will generate and analyse data that contribute to scientific publications and present your findings at national and international scientific meetings. As part of an international research group consisting of PhD candidates, postdocs, and technicians, you will collaborate closely within a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment. In addition, you will join a national research consortium focused on kidney tubulopathies, working intensively with other PhD candidates at UMC Utrecht.

Medical BioSciences is a science department where fundamental and translational biomedical research come together. You will study disease and health from the molecular level to clinical application, with a strong focus on medical innovation. Researchers work closely with clinicians to translate new insights into better diagnostics and treatments. Using experimental and data-driven approaches, we study biochemical, cellular, and physiological processes in health and disease.

Jouw profiel

You have an independent and well‑structured working style, combined with a strong ambition to succeed in scientific research. You bring well‑developed social skills that enable effective collaboration within a team, and you are driven by curiosity, resilience, and a continuous desire to learn and innovate.

Moreover you have:

  • MSc in (Medical) Biology, Biomedical Sciences or Medicine.
  • Fluency in both spoken and written English

Goed om te weten

  • The salary depends on education. Scale 10 will be offered to MSc medical graduates. Those holding degrees in other disciplines will be offered scale 10A.
  • The first job interviews will take place on 2 June 2026. The second job interviews will take place on 12 June 2026. Please take this into account.
  • An assessment might be included in the selection procedure.
  • This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Meer weten?

We vertellen je graag meer! 

Jeroen de Baaij

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