Description du sujet de thèse

PhD Project : Regulatory Mechanisms in Renal Intercalated Cell Function
The project focuses on investigating the crucial regulation of acid-base balance in the human body, specifically within renal intercalated cells (ICs). Maintaining a narrow blood pH range is imperative for facilitating biochemical reactions, ensuring proper protein folding, and facilitating oxygen transport. Considering the frequent occurrence of acid-base disturbances in critically ill patients and its consequences, preserving acid-base homeostasis is crucial. The kidneys play a pivotal role in systemic acid-base balance, particularly α-ICs and β-ICs located in a particular segment of the nephron : the collecting duct. Dysfunctions in α-ICs and β-ICs can result in either renal tubular acidosis or metabolic alkalosis, depending on defective cell type.
Objectives: The project seeks to understand the intricate signaling pathways implicated in the kidney's response to systemic variations in pH and electrolyte levels, with a particular emphasis on alkalosis.
The primary objective of the project is to characterize the intracellular mechanisms that activate renal bicarbonate secretion during metabolic alkalosis specifically in β-ICs. The project seeks to understand the intricate signaling pathways implicated in the kidney's response to systemic variations in pH and electrolyte levels, with a particular emphasis on alkalosis.
The successful candidate must hold a master degree or be enrolled in a master program ending in 2025
Have a strong background in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline and a strong interest in renal physiology.
Laboratory experience in exploring mouse models and an animal experiment authorization would be an asset.
An experience in mammalian cell culture and microscopy would also be ideal.
The successful PhD student will be enrolled in the doctoral school “Ecole Doctorale Interdisciplinaire Sciences Santé EDISS 205” and should meet its selection criteria https://ediss.universite-lyon.fr/candidater-au-doctorat/candidature-ediss-hors-concours/

Contexte de travail

The Laboratory of Tissue Biology and Therapeutic Engineering (LBTI, UMR 5305) operates under the joint supervision of the CNRS and Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 (UCBL1), with full administrative delegation to the CNRS. The LBTI is distributed across three locations: the IBCP campus in Gerland, Edouard Herriot Hospital, and the Rockefeller Faculty. The laboratory comprises approximately 120 members, including permanent and non-permanent staff such as researchers, research professors, PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical personnel. Further information is available at: https://lbti.ibcp.fr.

The research activities of the unit are structured around six research teams and two technological platforms. The scientific focus centers on the study of healthy and pathological tissues, as well as the development of innovative therapeutic strategies with strong potential for clinical application.

The management team and administrative services are based on the Gerland campus, in the IBCP building (accessible via Metro line B, Stade de Gerland station). The research laboratories are located across the three aforementioned sites.

The PhD candidate will join the SKIN team within the LBTI (CNRS UMR 5305), under the direct supervision of Dr. Nicolas Picard, as part of the Sense-pH scientific project funded by the ANR.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

Use of murine models.
Exceptional working hours during evening and week-end may be considered
Experimental work conducted in part in a BSL-2 laboratory.
The position involves handling biological materials of both human and murine origin.
The employee will receive training on the potential risks associated with the project from the laboratory's safety officer upon arrival.
The position falls within a laboratory related to the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore, in accordance with current regulations, your appointment must be authorized by the competent authority of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).