Call for applications for a fully financed PhD fellowship

Project description

This PhD project aims to evaluate the potential of a novel, non-invasive imaging method—hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—to quantify renal fibrogenesis in both CKD patients and renal transplant recipients.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by progressive fibrosis and is a major risk factor for end-stage renal disease. Currently, renal fibrosis can only be assessed through invasive biopsy, which limits its utility for routine monitoring.

The candidate will participate in a longitudinal clinical study, recruiting patients from Aarhus University Hospital who have undergone recent kidney biopsies or transplantation. Participants will undergo hyperpolarized MRI imaging, with outcomes compared to existing histopathological and biochemical fibrosis markers. The candidate will analyze correlations between imaging signals, renal function trajectories (eGFR, albuminuria), and biopsy fibrosis scores.

This 3-year project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of metabolic imaging, nephrology, and personalized medicine. The student will collaborate with clinical and imaging experts and contribute to a growing translational research program to improve CKD management.

This PhD project is fully funded and embedded in an interdisciplinary environment, including access to world-leading 13C MRI infrastructure and experienced collaborators in nephrology and clinical imaging. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at major conferences. The candidate will furthermore participate in a multi-center clinical imaging trial focusing on monitoring the treatment effects of diabetic kidney disease.

The PhD position will require excellent organizational skills and collaboration with patients, hospital staff, and other researchers.

The PhD study will take place at the MR Research Centre at Aarhus University and the Department of Renal Medicine at Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor, Christoffer Laustsen, The MR Research Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University

Co-supervisors: Niels Henrik Buus, Department of Renal Medicine at Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby.

Qualifications

The candidate must hold a medical degree (MD) and ideally be specialized or in training in nephrology or endocrinology.

• Clinical experience with kidney disease or renal transplantation is preferred.
• Prior exposure to clinical research and imaging is advantageous but not required.
• Danish and English language proficiency is required for clinical communication and documentation.
• The position is suitable for a medical doctor with an interest in translational imaging and/or renal pathophysiology.

How to apply

Please submit your application via this link. Application deadline is 31 July 2025 23:59 CET. Preferred starting date is 1 February 2026.

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.  

Further information

Please contact Professor Christoffer Laustsen, cl@clin.au.dk for more information.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.