Experimental Nephrology,
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.
PhD focus The successful candidate will focus on the biological dimension of the project, modeling nephron injury and repair in engineered ex vivo culture, and working at the intersection of biomaterials, disease modeling, and therapeutic interventions.
Key objectives include:
1. Assessing cell viability, differentiation, and signaling across connected nephron segments
2. Modeling AKI, nephrotoxicity, and immune-mediated injury using engineered nephron cultures
3. Investigating protective and regenerative interventions using pharmacological or cellular therapies
4. Collaborating closely with the FHNW team and provide biological feedback to guide chip development
Your profile MSc (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, molecular medicine, cell biology, or related field
5. Practical experience with mammalian cell culture, microscopy, or molecular analysis
6. Strong interest in kidney physiology, tissue regeneration, and translational research
7. Interdisciplinary mindset and motivation to collaborate with biologists, bioengineers, and clinicians
8. Language proficiency in English and German is an asset
Employment The position will be based at the Inselspital/University of Bern, with enrollment in the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB). Dr. Gullo from the FHNW will serve as co-supervisor. The PhD student will be employed through the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) program and will receive a salary in accordance with the regulations for doctoral candidates ().
We offer
9. A vibrant interdisciplinary environment linking clinical nephrology with cutting-edge bioengineering
10. Access to advanced imaging, molecular, and 3D culture facilities at Inselspital and University of Bern
11. Close collaboration with the Gullo Lab (FHNW) on translational kidney research
12. Strong mentorship, interdisciplinary supervision and mentoring within the RENAISSANCE project
13. Competitive PhD salary according to Swiss university standards
14. Opportunities for international collaborations, conferences, and publications
Application and contact