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.

The successful candidate will take the bioengineering lead in developing the nephron-on-a-chip platform, working at the intersection of microfluidics, biomaterials, and tissue engineering.

Key objectives include:

The employment will be at FHNW in Muttenz, while the doctoral studies and graduation will be undertaken at the University of Bern, with Dr. Rudloff acting as co-supervisor. PhD students employed through the Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF program will receive a salary in accordance with the regulations for doctoral candidates (https://www.snf.ch/media/en/yXApuFw4ml0TPYe2/Annex_XII_Ausfuehrungsreglement_Beitragsregl ement_E.pdf) for the time of their PhD.