PhD position: Improved Detection of Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects ~10% of the global population. CKD is among the few non-communicable diseases that show a globally increasing trend in premature mortality. In Europe, CKD-associated costs are 140 billion euros/year, exceeding diabetes and cancer. The course of CKD progression can be substantially modified by timely intervention. However, early detection of kidney damage is currently suboptimal. The aim of this project, funded by a prestigious European Research Council (ERC)-consolidator grant, is to develop new methods for early and more accurate detection of kidney damage. This involves the use of animal models for kidney damage, proteomics and metabolomics, and machine learning. This project is a collaboration between the departments of Internal Medicine and Pathology & Medical Biology at the UMCG.

- You are a highly motivated candidate with an interest in basic science in the field of nephology.
- You have an MSc in Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry or a related field.
- You have excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- You have the ability to work in a research group.
- Experience in the fields of nephrology is an advantage, as is experience with bio-informatics, animal (rat/mouse) models, and molecular biology techniques.
The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position. In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

We offer a full-time appointment (36 hours a week) for a period of up to four years, with an initial contract of one year followed by an extension based on performance. The preferred starting date is September 1st, 2024. Your salary will be a minimum of € 3.017,- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 3.824,- gross per month (PhD salary scale) in the final year, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is one of the largest medical centers in The Netherlands. More than 12,000 employees provide patient care and medical education and perform biomedical research. The Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology at the UMCG is among the leading centers in the world in the field of kidney research. The environment is ambitious, dynamic, and international, with state-of-the-art facilities. There is a relatively large and social group of PhD students ready to welcome you. You will have the opportunity to perform cutting-edge research and to work with renowned scientists in the field of nephrology and medical biology. You will also participate in a range of courses offered by the Graduate School of Medical Sciences. The aim of the PhD program is to prepare candidates for a career as independent scientist.

prof. dr. Martin de Borst, m.h.de.borst@umcg.nl, telefoonnummer: 050-361 2955
prof. dr. Jan-Luuk Hillebrands, j.l.hillebrands@umcg.nl, telefoonnummer: 050 361 2875