ppOverviewPrecision modelling of FHHNC using patient-derived kidney organoids for mechanistic and therapeutic discovery. /p pVHIR is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to apply for a Marie Sk?odowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship and join the Kidney Pathophysiology Research Group. /p h3Background /h3 pFamilial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC) is a devastating ultra-rare renal tubulopathy caused by loss-of-function mutations in CLDN16 and CLDN19. /p pThe disease leads to severe magnesium and calcium wasting, nephrocalcinosis, and progressive chronic kidney disease, often culminating in renal failure at a young age. /p pPatients carrying CLDN19 mutations may develop early-onset ocular defects. /p pA striking feature of FHHNC is phenotypic variability, particularly among siblings with identical mutations. /p pOur 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. /p pWe recently generated induced pluripotent stem cells (i PSC) from two siblings with the homozygous CLDN19 p. /p pG20 D mutation and created a CLDN19 p. /p pG20 D knock-in mouse model. /p pThese resources enable investigation of FHHNC pathophysiology. /p h3Objectives /h3 pIn this project, patient-derived genetically engineered kidney organoids will be used as advanced human 3 D models to dissect disease mechanisms, understand phenotypic variability, and evaluate therapeutic candidates in a precision medicine framework. /p pThe 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. /p h3Our Group /h3 pThe 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. /p pThe group integrates clinical data, experimental biology, and computational approaches to identify disease mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. /p h3Key focus areas /h3 pKey focus areas include FHHNC research using CLDN16 and CLDN19 mutations. /p pThe group maintains collaborations with clinicians, computational scientists, and patient advocacy organisations to support translational research. /p h3Main responsibilities and duties /h3 ul liPreparation of an MSCA proposal focused on translational research in rare renal diseases using advanced in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models /li liCombine stem cell technology, functional genomics, disease modelling, and therapeutic evaluation in inherited renal tubulopathies and epithelial dysfunction /li liCollaborate within a multidisciplinary, translational environment integrated into the Paediatric Nephrology Service of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital /li liFacilitate interaction between clinicians and basic researchers to translate experimental discoveries into clinically relevant applications /li /ul h3Education and qualifications /h3 ul liPh D degree or successful defense before the call deadline (09/09/2026) /li liMobility 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 /li liFormal training in animal experimentation (EU Directive **/EU or equivalent) /li liFluency in English (business level) /li liPrior postdoctoral experience in cardiovascular research or metabolism; official accreditation for work with laboratory animals /li liMaximum 8 years of postdoctoral research experience by the call deadline (Ph D obtained on or after 10/09/2018; extensions may apply for parental leave or long‑term illness)



/li liExperience with advanced experimental techniques (imaging, molecular biology, omics analysis, functional assays) /li liKnowledge of epithelial cell biology and/or experimental disease models /li liHands‑on experience with animal models of disease /li liAbility to design, perform, and analyse experimental research independently /li liExperience in translational research environments or clinical collaboration frameworks /li liAbility to work in multidisciplinary and collaborative environments /li liExperience with organoid systems and/or hi PSCKnowledge of kidney physiology, tubular epithelial biology, or fibrosis mechanisms /li liExperience with organoids and/or hi PSC-derived systems /li liFamiliarity with translational research or drug evaluation pipelines /li liAbility to integrate multi‑level experimental data (cellular, molecular, in vivo) /li /ul h3Working conditions and benefits /h3 pWorking conditions, remuneration, contract type, and start date will be established according to MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship conditions and VHIR regulations. /p h3What we offer /h3 ul liIncorporation into Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution promoting biomedical research, innovation, and teaching at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (HUVH) /li liA dynamic scientific environment with cutting‑edge biomedical projects /li liContinuous learning and career development pathways /li liWellbeing programme to support staff health, growth, and community /li liInternational mobility support and arrival guidance in Barcelona /li /ul h3Deadline /h3 pDeadline to apply: ** /p h3Equality and data protection /h3 pVHIR embraces Equality and Diversity and is committed to inclusion and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, training, and management for all staff. /p pData Protection: Data Controller is Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca -VHIR-. /p pData retention: One year. /p pRights: access, rectification, deletion, objection, and data portability where applicable. /p pContact: lopd@; DPO: ***. /p pMore information can be found here. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Vhir-Msca-Pf-2026.003_Postdoctoral Fellowship (Kidney Pathophysiology) (Barcelona)
🏢 Fundació TIC Salut i Social
📍 Barcelona