PhD in Biomedical Kidney Research (RENAISSANCE Project) 100%

About the job

Experimental Nephrology, Department for BioMedical Research
February 2026 (upon agreement)
Employment is fixed for 4 years.
The RENAISSANCE project aims to develop a next-generation nephron-on-a-chip platform that enables the ex vivo recombination of morphologically intact, fully differentiated nephron segments. It addresses a critical unmet need in kidney research - the lack of physiologically relevant, modular in vitro systems that reproduce segment-specific functions and inter-segmental interactions. Current organoid and kidney-on-chip models are limited by developmental immaturity, restricted segmental complexity, and poor reproducibility.

In contrast, RENAISSANCE adopts a top-down approach that preserves native nephron identity and function, establishing a tunable, translationally relevant platform for patient-specific disease modeling, drug screening, and regenerative applications. The project is jointly conducted by Dr. Rudloff (Inselspital Bern) and Dr. Gullo (FHNW), combining complementary expertise in nephrology and disease modeling with biofabrication and microfluidics. Together, the teams aim to establish a physiologically relevant, modular nephron model that bridges the gap between in vitro experimentation and in vivo validation.

• Assessing cell viability, differentiation, and signaling across connected nephron segments
• Modeling AKI, nephrotoxicity, and immune-mediated injury using engineered nephron cultures
• Investigating protective and regenerative interventions using pharmacological or cellular therapies
• Collaborating closely with the FHNW team and provide biological feedback to guide chip development

• Practical experience with mammalian cell culture, microscopy, or molecular analysis
• Strong interest in kidney physiology, tissue regeneration, and translational research
• Interdisciplinary mindset and motivation to collaborate with biologists, bioengineers, and clinicians
• Language proficiency in English and German is an asset

• A vibrant interdisciplinary environment linking clinical nephrology with cutting-edge bioengineering
• Access to advanced imaging, molecular, and 3D culture facilities at Inselspital and University of Bern
• Close collaboration with the Gullo Lab (FHNW) on translational kidney research
• Strong mentorship, interdisciplinary supervision and mentoring within the RENAISSANCE project
• Competitive PhD salary according to Swiss university standards
• Opportunities for international collaborations, conferences, and publications

Please send your application to E-Mail schreiben with the subject line
“PhD Biomedical RENAISSANCE” as a single PDF file, including:

• Cover letter (including motivation and fit for the bioengineering position)
• CV with publication list (if applicable)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Contact details of two referees