Overview

Precision modelling of FHHNC using patient-derived kidney organoids for mechanistic and therapeutic discovery. VHIR is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship and join the Kidney Pathophysiology Research Group.

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Background

Familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC) is a devastating ultra-rare renal tubulopathy caused by loss-of-function mutations in CLDN16 and CLDN19. The disease leads to severe magnesium and calcium wasting, nephrocalcinosis, and progressive chronic kidney disease, often culminating in renal failure at a young age. Patients carrying CLDN19 mutations may develop early-onset ocular defects. A striking feature of FHHNC is phenotypic variability, particularly among siblings with identical mutations. Our group has established one of the largest FHHNC cohorts and uses an interdisciplinary strategy combining clinical research, molecular profiling, and artificial intelligence to uncover mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. We recently generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from two siblings with the homozygous CLDN19 p.G20D mutation and created a CLDN19 p.G20D knock-in mouse model. These resources enable investigation of FHHNC pathophysiology. In this project, patient-derived genetically engineered kidney organoids will be used as advanced human 3D models to dissect disease mechanisms, understand phenotypic variability, and evaluate therapeutic candidates in a precision medicine framework.

Objectives

The main goal is to develop and exploit genetically engineered patient-derived kidney organoids to unravel molecular mechanisms driving FHHNC, with a focus on phenotypic variability and sex-specific disease mechanisms, and to accelerate identification of novel precision medicine strategies through drug repurposing and advanced human disease modelling.

Our Group





The Kidney Pathophysiology Research Group at VHIR studies molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying rare and chronic kidney diseases, with emphasis on inherited tubulopathies, epithelial dysfunction, fibrosis, and CKD progression. The group integrates clinical data, experimental biology, and computational approaches to identify disease mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Key focus areas include FHHNC research using CLDN16 and CLDN19 mutations. The group maintains collaborations with clinicians, computational scientists, and patient advocacy organisations to support translational research.

Main responsibilities and duties

- Preparation of an MSCA proposal focused on translational research in rare renal diseases using advanced in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models
- Combine stem cell technology, functional genomics, disease modelling, and therapeutic evaluation in inherited renal tubulopathies and epithelial dysfunction
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary, translational environment integrated into the Paediatric Nephrology Service of the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital
- Facilitate interaction between clinicians and basic researchers to translate experimental discoveries into clinically relevant applications

Education and qualifications

Required:

- PhD degree or successful defense before the call deadline (09/09/2026)
- Mobility rule compliance: no residence or main activity in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the call deadline
- Formal training in animal experimentation (EU Directive 2010/63/EU or equivalent)
- Fluency in English (business level)

Desirable:

- Prior postdoctoral experience in cardiovascular research or metabolism; official accreditation for work with laboratory animals

Experience and knowledge

Required:





- Maximum 8 years of postdoctoral research experience by the call deadline (PhD obtained on or after 10/09/2018; extensions may apply for parental leave or long-term illness)
- Experience with advanced experimental techniques (imaging, molecular biology, omics analysis, functional assays)
- Knowledge of epithelial cell biology and/or experimental disease models
- Hands-on experience with animal models of disease
- Ability to design, perform, and analyse experimental research independently
- Experience in translational research environments or clinical collaboration frameworks
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary and collaborative environments

Desirable:

- Experience with organoid systems and/or hiPSC
- Knowledge of kidney physiology, tubular epithelial biology, or fibrosis mechanisms
- Experience with organoids and/or hiPSC-derived systems
- Familiarity with translational research or drug evaluation pipelines
- Ability to integrate multi-level experimental data (cellular, molecular, in vivo)

Working conditions and benefits

Working conditions, remuneration, contract type, and start date will be established according to MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship conditions and VHIR regulations.

What we offer

- Incorporation into Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution promoting biomedical research, innovation, and teaching at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (HUVH)
- A dynamic scientific environment with cutting-edge biomedical projects
- Continuous learning and career development pathways
- Wellbeing programme to support staff health, growth, and community
- International mobility support and arrival guidance in Barcelona

Deadline

Deadline to apply: 31-07-2026

Equality and data protection

VHIR embraces Equality and Diversity and is committed to inclusion and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, training, and management for all staff.

Data Protection: Data Controller is Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca -VHIR-. Data retention: One year. Rights: access, rectification, deletion, objection, and data portability where applicable. xcskxlj Contact: ; DPO: More information can be found here.

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📌 VHIR-MSCA-.003_Postdoctoral Fellowship (Kidney Pathophysiology) (Barcelona)
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