Within the Ion Transport group of the department of Physiology, we are seeking a Postdoc for a combined genetic, molecular and physiological project entitled "Mineral balance in nephrolithiasis". We offer a challenging postdoc project in a well-organized, international, and high-profile department within the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences.

Nephrolithiasis is the formation of renal stones, which is a common problem in primary care practice. Patients with kidney stones often present with renal colic, hematuria or vague abdominal pain, acute abdominal or flank pain, nausea, difficulty urinating, penile pain or testicular pain. Of all patients, about 80% forms Ca2+-containing stones and the cause is generally unknown.
The successful cloning by our group of the new calcium channel TRPV5 offers a realistic approach to study the physiological, functional and regulatory aspects of the renal calcium balance, which contributes to nephrolithiasis. Knowledge of TRPV5 functioning will, in particular, provide a molecular basis for achieving a better understanding of calcium related disorders in which (re)absorption processes are disturbed. TRPV5 is uniquely regulated by the anti-aging hormone klotho which hydrolysis the N-glycan to stabilize the channel in the membrane. Alterations in calcium (re)absorption are present in many physiological and pathophysiological states including hypercalciuric stone disease, osteoporosis, chronic renal failure, diabetes, chronic administration of diuretics and immunosuppressors.

In this Postdoc project, we aim to elucidate the role of renal calcium transport proteins, like TRPV5, in the development of nephrolithiasis. Therefore, we will study the genetic abnormalities and cell biological and physiological consequences of renal calcium transport proteins. You will be employed by the Department of Physiology of the Radboudumc, Nijmegen and part of the project will be executed in collaboration with international partner including the Charles Pak Center in Dallas, USA.

Tasks:

• The postdoc will design and perform scientific research in the area of genetics, molecular biology and physiology
• Generates and analyses the data and writes scientific publications and presents findings at scientific meetings
• Works in a team with other scientists to discuss, plan and perform research in a stimulating environment
• Works in a highly international research group with fellows from many countries

• Ph.D. degree in (medical) biology or related discipline
• Experience with genetic, molecular & cell biology
• Experience with animal research would be a pré
• Independent and well-structured working style
• Strong motivation to succeed in scientific research
• Well-developed social skills directed to work in a team
• Interest in transport physiology and clinically-oriented research

Fixed-term contract: 1 year, with a possible extension to three years.

• Salary is according to CAO-RUMC. Scale 10 max € 56000 gross per year at full employment (incl. vacation bonus and end of year payments)
• Open until filled

Radboudumc (university medical center)

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 film.

Our key strength is medical life-sciences and clinical practice, with an impressive infrastructure comprising state-of-the-art technology platforms and (translational) research facilities. The Radboudumc is therefore uniquely positioned in the emerging Euregio and Dutch healthcare infrastructure to play a leading role in the new healthcare paradigm of prediction, prevention and personalised medicine.

The Radboudumc focuses on scientific health challenges of today, with an eye on emerging diseases of the future.

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

Physiology

The department of Physiology has a long-standing tradition in transport physiology in epithelia and build up a substantial know-how and infrastructure in the field of molecular and cellular physiology of water and electrolyte transport. The department 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, which integrates diverse scientific expertises in molecular and medical science for the advancement of innovation in translational research.