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Project Overview
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 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:
- Designing and optimizing ECM-inspired hydrogels for nephron segment integration
- Fabricating 3D-printed scaffolds with alignment and gradient cues for tubule organization
- Developing and validating a microfluidic chip compatible with long-term perfusion and high-throughput
- Collaborating closely with the Inselspital team to integrate biological assays and in vivo validation
Employment
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.
Your Profile:
- MSc (or equivalent) in bioengineering, biotechnology, materials science, or related field
- Experience with microfabrication, hydrogel development, or 3D cell culture
- Familiarity with microfluidics, CAD design, or bioprinting is a strong asset
- Interdisciplinary mindset and motivation to collaborate with biologists and clinicians
- Language proficiency in English and German is an asset
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
Location: Biofabrication and Biohybriod Systems Laboratory, Institute for Medical Engineering and MedicalInformatics, School of Life Sciences, FHNW, Muttenz, Switzerland
Your prospects:
- Consider advancing your career at FHNW Muttenz and Inselspital Bern, where you will have opportunities for professional development while contributing to research with meaningful societal impact.
- We are firmly dedicated to cultivating a sustainable, climate-neutral academic environment.
- Enjoy a range of valuable benefits, including public transport passes, car sharing schemes, extensive sports facilities, and competitive pension arrangements.
- Engage in an open, collaborative research culture.
- Take advantage of access to and hands-on training with state-of-the-art methodologies and equipment.
- Join a stimulating environment within FHNW’s School of Life Sciences, with access to cutting-edge microfabrication and biomaterials facilities.
Your benefits:
Wide range of university sports
Cultural programme of lectures, concerts, theatre and films
Established implementation of equal pay
Targeted promotion of doctoral projects
Annual working time (42 hours/week) with the option of part-time and teleworking
Mentoring programme for career development
Start Date: per 2026 2 1 or by agreement, ending on 2030 1 31 .
Your workplace
Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
Hofackerstrasse 30
4132 Muttenz
Hofackerstrasse 30
4132 Muttenz
Any questions?
About the position:
Dr. Maurizio Gullo, Research Associate, Contact: +41 61 228 53 31, maurizio.gullo@fhnw.ch
About the recruiting process:
Sarah Wirth, HR-Assistant, Contact: +41 61 228 50 74