PhD candidate - Organoid models to study mitochondrial kidney disease

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

Dit ga je doen

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.

Due to the absence of mitochondrial DNA in standard genetic testing, mitochondrial DNA mutations were only recently identified as a previously undetected cause of kidney tubulopathies. However, research on such mutations has been hampered by the lack of accurate laboratory models and techniques to edit mtDNA.

In this 4-year PhD project, you 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:

• develop state-of-the-art patient-derived kidney organoids
• perform gene editing to correct mitochondrial DNA mutations
• study the molecular mechanisms that cause mitochondrial kidney disease
• work in a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, and patients to improve the diagnostics and therapy of patients with tubulopathies

Hier ga je werken

You will conduct your PhD at the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (RMCU), within the departments of Nephrology (UMC Utrecht) and Metabolic Diseases (WKZ). In international, multidisciplinary teams, you will design and perform research in nephrology, genetics, and physiology, generate and analyse data for publications, and present at national and international conferences. You will participate in a national consortium on kidney tubulopathies, collaborating closely with PhD candidates at UMC Utrecht and Radboudumc.

The Department of Nephrology provides care across all stages of kidney failure and offers a full range of renal replacement therapies, including haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplantation. Our translational research is embedded within the strategic themes

Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

and

Circulatory Health

. As part of the RMCU, our laboratory benefits from a collaborative, innovative environment and contributes to training future clinicians and scientists.

The WKZ is the paediatric hospital of UMC Utrecht and a national expertise center for rare and complex childhood disorders. The Department of Metabolic Diseases provides specialized care for inherited metabolic conditions and conducts research to improve diagnostics, understand mechanisms, and develop new therapies, including gene-based approaches.

Dit neem je mee

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated PhD student with strong communication skills in English. You hold a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, (Molecular) Biology, Biotechnology, or an equivalent life science degree.

You have proven experience in advanced cell culture, ideally including work with human adult stem cells and organoids. Experience with gene-editing technologies is considered an advantage. You bring a solid background in molecular and cell biology and are familiar with techniques such as cloning, (q)PCR, transfection or viral transduction. You have strong social skills that support effective teamwork, and you are driven by curiosity, resilience, and a continuous desire to learn and innovate.

Dit bieden we jou

• Temporary appointment for 4 years, in accordance with the duration of the PhD programme.
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.