The kidney is a complex organ that consists of many different cell types, each with different functions and specific expression patterns. In many kidney diseases, specific renal cells undergo major transcriptional changes that drive the disease progression. However, research on these transcriptional changes in renal disease has been challenging, as modifications in sub-populations of renal epithelial cells do not necessarily translate in changes at the whole-organ level.

By the rapid revolution of next-generation sequencing techniques, it has become possible to perform reliable and quantitative single-cell RNA-sequencing. As a result, transcriptional regulation at the level an individual cell level can be measured to detect changes in renal cell populations and to identify new cell types. Single-cell studies are shown to be of clinical interest, predicting the outcome of an infection or drug resistance. Single-cell RNA-sequencing is set to change our understanding of kidney disease, since the heterogeneity inside the kidney can now be described with unprecedented resolution.

This project aims to identify the transcriptional mechanisms that cause disturbances in electrolyte transport and renal cyst formation using single-cell RNA sequencing and state-of-the-art bioinformatic data-integration.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and perform scientific research in the area of molecular biology, cell biology and bioinformatics.
• Generates and analyses the data in order to contribute to scientific publications and presents findings at scientific meetings.
• Works in a team with other students and scientists to discuss, plans and performs research in a stimulating environment.

• PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences.
• Independent and well-structured working style.
• Strong motivation to succeed in scientific research.
• Well-developed social skills directed to work in a team.
• Preferentially experience with bioinformatics and big data analysis.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be, depending on the type of job, a screening based on the provided cv. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions and what our International Office can do for you when moving to the Netherlands.

Radboudumc

The department of Physiology has a long-standing tradition in transport physiology in epithelia and has built up a substantial know-how and infrastructure in the field of molecular and cellular physiology of electrolyte transport. The Molecular Physiology group consists of an enthusiastic research team of about 25 people and is, together with basic science and research-oriented clinical departments of the Radboud university medical center, housed in the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences. This integrates diverse scientific expertise in molecular and medical science for the advancement of innovation in translational research.

Radboudumc
Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.