PhD student 'Training network for developing innovative (bio)artificial devices for treatment of kidney and liver disease' | Radboud University Medical Centre

Within the FP7 EU-funded Marie-Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) “BIOART” (Training network for developing innovative (bio)artificial devices for treatment of kidney and liver disease) two PhD studentships are available at the Radboud University Medical Centre in Nijmegen.

ESR4. Immortalized human renal epithelial cells for bioartificial kidney

The aim of this project is to fully characterize human renal epithelial cells used in the development of a prototype bioartificial kidney. The renal epithelial cells that are used in this project are conditionally immortalized proximal tubule cells (ciPTEC) obtained from healthy donors. To assess the quality of these cells, biomarker expression of renal tubular epithelial cells will be assessed when these ciPTEC are grown on natural extracellular matrix coatings under uremic and non-uremic conditions. The biomarker expression profile will complement morphological analyses to select appropriate bioactive polymer characteristics of the supporting membranes. Furthermore, since the deposited extracellular matrix may positively influence adhesion strength and polarity, its composition will be analyzed. Similarly, different bioactive membranes will be evaluated for their ability to support ciPTEC function under uremic conditions. We have an opening for a 3 year position for an Early Stage Researcher (PhD student) in cell biology. The researcher will be hosted by Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUNMC; Partner 3) and will be expected to register for PhD studies at RUNMC. For further information contact Dr. Rosalinde Masereeuw (Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.), Prof. dr. Joost Hoenderop (Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.) or Prof. dr. Bert van den Heuvel (Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.).

ESR5. Bioartificial kidney – Preclinical safety evaluation

Within this project, we aim to assess the safety aspects of the bioartifical kidney with respect to immune activation, biocompatibility and transmission of oncogenes and/or pathogenic substances. Although the use of an immortalized cell line in a bioartificial kidney device improves the availability and reliability of the device, it may potentially cause immune activation by exposing the patient to non-self antigens. Allo-antigens that are shed from the cell surface or cytoplasmic proteins that are liberated may permeate through the membrane and enter the patients´circulation where these antigens will be taken up by antigen presenting cells. This may elicit a humoral or cytotoxic immune response. In addition, the patient may be pre-immunized against allo-antigens on the ciPTEC by prior blood transfusion, transplantation or pregnancy. Obviously, an allo-immune response against the ciPTEC may hamper the repeated use of these cells. Furthermore, immunization of dialysis patients for allo-antigens can reduce the future chance of finding a suitable transplant kidney. In this project, we will address these issues by testing the allo-geneic response to the ciPTEC, determining device biocompatibility and performing a risk assessment analysis. We have an opening for a 3 year position for an Early Stage Researcher (PhD student) in cell biology/immunology. The researcher will be hosted by Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre (RUNMC; Partner 3) and will be expected to register for PhD studies at RUNMC. For further information contact Dr. Rosalinde Masereeuw (Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.) or Prof.dr. Luuk Hilbrands (Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.).

Due to the EU Marie Curie mobility rules only non Dutch candidates can apply.

To apply for the position use the Apply button.