PhD Candidate 'Organoid models to study mitochondrial kidney disease'

16 Apr 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc)

Research Field

Medical sciences » Medicine

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
First Stage Researcher (R1)

Application Deadline

23 May 2026 - 22:00 (UTC)

Country

Netherlands

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

36.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Job description
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.

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/jobs/360181/phd-candidate-organoid-models-t…

Requirements
Specific Requirements

Profile
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

Additional Information
Benefits

Well arranged
With us, you receive 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and – depending on your role – an irregular hours allowance ranging from 47% to 72%. In addition, you are entitled to 176 vacation hours per year (based on a 36-hour work week).
Compensation
You will receive a €0.18 per kilometer travel allowance. Public transport costs (2nd class) are fully reimbursed. If you work partly or entirely from home, you will receive €2.40 per home-working day. This way, everything is well arranged—wherever you work.
Flexible benefits scheme
With our flexible benefits scheme, you decide how to use part of your employment benefits. Purchase extra leave days or use your year-end bonus to buy a bicycle with tax benefits. You choose what suits you best.
Warm welcome
We believe a good start is important. Thanks to our onboarding app, you’ll be well prepared even before your first working day. During the introduction day, you’ll get to know your colleagues and our organization.
Changing allowance
If you are required to wear Radboudumc work clothing and change outside working hours, you will receive a changing allowance of €80 gross per month for a full-time position, provided this applies to your role.
Salary increase
At our organization, your work is valued. Your salary will increase in line with the collective labor agreement in two steps: by 3.5% as of July 1, 2026, and an additional 3.5% as of May 1, 2027. This means you’ll see a solid increase in your salary within a short period of time.
Work–life balance
We consider a healthy work–life balance essential. Through inspiring training sessions, mindfulness activities, and caregiver consultation hours, we support you in every phase of your life.
Growth and development
Our online learning environment offers a wide range of training courses, e-learnings, and educational programs—from professional specialization to personal development. This allows you to keep growing and make the most of your talents.

Additional comments

• 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!
Want to know more?
We’re happy to provide more information!
Jeroen Baaij
📧 Send an email

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/360181/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Radboudumc

Country

Netherlands

City

Nijmegen

Postal Code

6525GA

Street

Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10

Geofield

Contact

City

Nijmegen

Website

http://www.radboudumc.nl/

Street

Geert Grooteplein-Zuid 10

Postal Code

6525 GA

STATUS: EXPIRED

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