ph3Overview /h3pPrecision 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. /p h3Background /h3pFamilial 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. /p h3Objectives /h3pThe 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 /h3pThe 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. /p h3Main responsibilities and duties /h3ulliPreparation of an MSCA proposal focused on translational research in rare renal diseases using advanced in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models /liliCombine stem cell technology, functional genomics, disease modelling, and therapeutic evaluation in inherited renal tubulopathies and epithelial dysfunction /liliCollaborate within a multidisciplinary, translational environment integrated into the Paediatric Nephrology Service of the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital /liliFacilitate interaction between clinicians and basic researchers to translate experimental discoveries into clinically relevant applications /li /ul h3Education and qualifications /h3pbRequired: /b /pulliPhD degree or successful defense before the call deadline (09/09/2026) /liliMobility 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 /liliFormal training in animal experimentation (EU Directive 2010/63/EU or equivalent) /liliFluency in English (business level) /li /ulpbDesirable: /b /pulliPrior postdoctoral experience in cardiovascular research or metabolism; official accreditation for work with laboratory animals /li /ul h3Experience and knowledge /h3pbRequired: /b /pulliMaximum 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)



/liliExperience with advanced experimental techniques (imaging, molecular biology, omics analysis, functional assays) /liliKnowledge of epithelial cell biology and/or experimental disease models /liliHands-on experience with animal models of disease /liliAbility to design, perform, and analyse experimental research independently /liliExperience in translational research environments or clinical collaboration frameworks /liliAbility to work in multidisciplinary and collaborative environments /li /ulpbDesirable: /b /pulliExperience with organoid systems and/or hiPSC /liliKnowledge of kidney physiology, tubular epithelial biology, or fibrosis mechanisms /liliExperience with organoids and/or hiPSC-derived systems /liliFamiliarity with translational research or drug evaluation pipelines /liliAbility to integrate multi-level experimental data (cellular, molecular, in vivo) /li /ul h3Working conditions and benefits /h3pWorking conditions, remuneration, contract type, and start date will be established according to MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship conditions and VHIR regulations. /p h3What we offer /h3ulliIncorporation into Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution promoting biomedical research, innovation, and teaching at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital (HUVH) /liliA dynamic scientific environment with cutting-edge biomedical projects /liliContinuous learning and career development pathways /liliWellbeing programme to support staff health, growth, and community /liliInternational mobility support and arrival guidance in Barcelona /li /ul h3Deadline /h3pDeadline to apply: /p h3Equality and data protection /h3pVHIR embraces Equality and Diversity and is committed to inclusion and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, training, and management for all staff. /ppData 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. Contact: ; DPO: More information can be found here. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 VHIR-MSCA-.003_Postdoctoral Fellowship (Kidney Pathophysiology) (Barcelona)
🏢 Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) - Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca
📍 Barcelona