Within the Molecular Physiology group of the department of Physiology, we are seeking a PhD for a combined molecular, physiological, and clinical project entitled "Klotho in the kidney: a hormone goddess or still a myth". We offer a challenging PhD project in a well-organized, international, and high-profile department within the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences.

Our group has a long-standing history of investigating the (patho)physiology of calcium homeostasis and our team identified the TRPV5 calcium channel in 1999. Following studies focused on understanding the biology and regulation of the TRPV5 channel and, amongst others, led to identification of Klotho as a novel calciotropic factor influencing TRPV5 channel function. The link between Klotho and calcium homeostasis has provided the field of renal calcium handling with an interesting angle towards the relation between aging and calcium imbalance. Indeed, mice with severely reduced αKlotho have a significantly reduced lifetime and display renal calcium wasting, whereas overexpression of Klotho results in prolonged lifespan. In humans, Klotho serum levels decrease with age, and its deficiency is also associated with chronic renal failure. Although Klotho was identified nearly two decades ago, its function and possible actions of the soluble fraction of Klotho remain incompletely understood. Mechanisms explaining the regulation of TRPV5 by (urinary) Klotho, as well as its physiological relevance for the maintenance of calcium homeostasis, are largely unknown and form the central focus in this research project. To this end, a wide variety of cutting-edge techniques will be applied including cell and molecular biological, biochemical and physiological procedures.

Tasks and responsibilities

• The PhD candidate will design and perform scientific research in the area of molecular transport physiology in health and disease.
• Generates and analyses the data that will contribute to scientific publications, and presenting findings at scientific meetings.
• Works in a team with other scientists to discuss, plans and performs research in a stimulating environment.
• Completes the project with a scientific dissertation.

• Msc degree (medical) Biology or Biomedical Sciences.
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology.
• Permitted to work with animals (art. 9) is considered a pré.
• Affinity with team-oriented work within an enthusiastic and motivated group of researchers from various countries.
• A flexible working attitude and independent working style, with a strong motivation to succeed in scientific research.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The position is for 4 years, start as soon as possible.

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.

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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.

Research Institutes
At the moment there are more than 1,300 PhD candidates at our medical hospital. This number includes PhD candidates on our pay roll as well as external candidates (those employed somewhere else but researching on our premises).

• Radboud Institute for Health Sciences: ± 700
• Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences: ± 400
• Donders Center for Medical Neurosciences: ± 200

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

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.