PhD Position in Translational Kidney Research

University of Zurich

Deadline: May 31, 2023

Applications are invited for a PhD position at the intersection of basic and translational kidney research.
Despite a huge demand to develop new therapies for kidney diseases, there are limited options for modeling renal conditions in vitro. We investigate the molecular programs underlying kidney development and disease and have pioneered the direct reprogramming of renal tubular cells (Kaminski et al., Nat Cell Biol (2016) 18(12):1269-1280). Expression of only our transcription factors achieves cell type conversion of fibroblasts to renal tubule cells that are morphologically and functionally highly similar to primary kidney cells but can be stably cultivated and bioprinted into tubular structures at near physiological scales (Pichler, Rizzo et al., Biomaterials (2022) Dec;291:121910).

Your responsibilities

Engaging in a research project that advances direct reprogramming towards tubule cell types for modelling human renal diseases.
Wet-lab experiments employing direct reprogramming, lentiviral transduction, flow cytometry, CRISPPR/Cas9-based tools for gene disruption, various advanced imaging modalities, bioprinting techniques, and functional assays.
Single-cell/bulk RNA-Seq bioinformatic analysis including visualizations and formatting of publication grade figures.
Presenting results at international conferences and preparing publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Your profile

Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, medicine, or related fields
Excellent project management and communication skills (fluent in English)
Ability to work both independently and team-oriented
Profound interest in developmental biology and a general curiosity

What we offer

We offer varied and interesting work in an inspiring and socially relevant environment.
Diversity and inclusion are important to us.

Our young, energetic, and well-funded research team values collaboration, open communication, and an inspiring work environment. We offer an exciting research project at the intersection of basic and applied research in an international team with access to state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure and core facilities. Our group is well integrated in the Zurich Kidney Center (ZKC) which offers an excellent infrastructure and professional network of kidney research groups both in Switzerland and internationally.

You will work in collaboration with an experienced Postdoc and join the Zurich Life Science Graduate School program of Molecular Life Sciences (Track 2) and will thus have access to a wide variety of courses as well as networking events.

Place of work

Irchel Campus, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Start of employment

The date of employment will be determined by mutual agreement, preferably as soon as possible.
Applications of highly motivated candidates containing a cover letter that highlights some past accomplishments (not necessary research related), CV, and recommendation letters or contact details of 2 references should be sent in a single pdf file via APPLY NOW button until May 31st, 2023.