PhD : developing in vitro platform to investigate sex differences in renal drug han

Welcome to Maastricht University! We seek a PhD candidate to join our team developing advanced (computational) models to understand (patho) physiological renal drug and toxin transport. The overall aim of this project is to create a novel in vitro platform to investigate sex differences in renal drug handling, enabling the quantification of sex-specific transport kinetics.

• Our goal: Reveal sex-specific mechanisms in renal drug transport by combining advanced in vitro models with physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling.
• Your colleagues: An interdisciplinary team of computational modellers, biologists, and biomedical engineers at MERLN, working together to understand renal (patho) physiology at multiple scales.

It has been widely recognized that sex differences impact disease progression and medication effects, but despite mandates for female inclusion in clinical trials, preclinical studies continue to overlook sex‑specific variation. For example, the kidneys play a pivotal role in drug excretion, with 32% of the top 200 prescribed drugs being renally eliminated. However, the impact of sex differences on renal drug handling, and consequently pharmacokinetics, remains elusive.

Sex differences in renal drug handling may arise from various factors, including anatomical, (epi) genetic and sex hormonal differences, and it is challenging to account for all these effects in vitro. Hereto, we aim to use an integrated in‑silico – in‑vitro approach, combining physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models with in‑vitro work to quantify what is happening at the individual proximal tubule cell level to provide accurate active transport predictions.

Rodent models are inappropriate for such data, since their renal clearance differs from humans.

The PhD candidate will develop research questions, design and perform experiments, analyze and interpret data, write papers for publication, and present findings both internally and y will ultimately submit and defend a PhD thesis. Approximately 5% of your time will be dedicated to tutoring, teaching, or supervising students.

Are you excited to push boundaries in kidney physiology and translational pharmacology? Then we’ll love to meet you.

• Scientifically curious and eager to explore complex questions – You hold (or soon will hold) a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, bioengineering, pharmacology or a related field. Candidates from other backgrounds are welcome if they demonstrate strong research affinity.
• Hands‑on and experimental – You bring experience or clear affinity with cell culture and laboratory-based research.
• Comfortable with molecular analyses – Techniques such as qPCR, Western blotting or immunofluorescence are familiar to you, or you are motivated to master them.
• Knowledgeable about human physiology – You understand the basics of organ-level physiology and are enthusiastic about deepening this knowledge.
• Open to interdisciplinary work – You enjoy connecting experimental work with computational insight.
• A clear communicator – You can express your ideas effectively in scientific English (reading, writing and speaking);
  Dutch is not required.
• Motivated and independent – You take initiative, manage your time well, and collaborate constructively within a diverse team.

Applicants will be asked to briefly describe their experience with cell culture, molecular assays, and human physiology. Prior experience in pharmacology or kidney research is welcome but not required.

• A 12-month contract with the prospect of a 3‑year extension, based on positive evaluation.
• A gross monthly salary between €3059,00 and €3881,00 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week; scale P), plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time employment) and four additional public holidays.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
• Freedom and space to shape your research independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit interdisciplinary community to collaborate and…