Chrono
Join a cohort of 12 doctoral researchers in ChronoBridge, a European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network. The programme connects biological clocks, physiology and metabolism through international collaboration.
Host and supervision
The position is supervised by Prof. András Dinnyés and his team at BioTalentum. The company develops human stem-cell-based models for disease research, drug testing, toxicology and regenerative medicine.
You will receive regular supervision, advice from senior researchers, quarterly meetings with an independent advisor, an annual committee review and support from a non-academic mentor. A local co-supervisor will guide each research visit.
Research project
This WP3 project investigates how biological clocks influence pancreatic β-cells, which release insulin. You will develop human cell models to study how clock disruption affects insulin secretion and metabolism, including under conditions modelling aspects of type 2 diabetes.
Your research will involve:
- Creating a human induced pluripotent stem-cell line with the clock gene BMAL1 inactivated, and comparing it with a matched control line.
- Differentiating these cells into pancreatic β-cells and producing organoids, small three-dimensional models.
- Measuring insulin release, clock rhythms, gene activity and cell structure.
- Combining gene activity and metabolite data, including experiments under high-glucose and fatty-acid conditions that model metabolic stress.
The project aims to deliver validated cell models and a better understanding of the links between biological clocks, β-cell function and diabetes.
Suggested profile
- A completed Master’s degree, or equivalent, in cell biology, stem cell biology, biotechnology, molecular biology or a related discipline.
- Interest in human cell models, diabetes and cell differentiation. Previous laboratory experience is useful; specialist training will be provided.
- Scientific curiosity, critical thinking, careful research practice and enthusiasm for collaboration across Europe.
Skills you will develop
- Formulate hypotheses and design and execute rigorous experiments, then analyses.
- Interpret results critically and solve research problems.
- Write scientific papers and present findings clearly.
- Manage projects and collaborate across disciplines and countries.
- Apply research ethics and reproducible methods.
Planned research visits
Research visits to the University of Geneva, EPFL and Université Paris Cité total approximately three months. They provide complementary methods, international collaboration and local supervision. Your main research position is based at BioTalentum. See the ChronoBridge “Training & network” page for mobility information.
Allowance
This is a full-time position as a doctoral researcher.
Remuneration follows the recruiting institution’s applicable salary arrangements and MSCA funding requirements.
The grant supports eligible personal and family circumstances. Your employer will explain salary, allowances and deductions.
Eligibility
Candidates of any nationality may apply, provided they:
Do not hold a doctoral degree or have successfully defended a doctoral thesis at recruitment.
Meet the doctoral programme’s admission requirements.
Have not lived or mainly worked or studied in Hungary for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before recruitment, subject to defined exceptions.
Have professional English, with evidence assessed by the recruiting institution.
See “Who can Apply?” on the ChronoBridge “How to Apply” page for the detailed criteria and exceptions.
Network training
You will benefit from at least 100 hours of scientific and transferable-skills training, three years of Nature Masterclasses access, network congresses, workshops, online clubs and an individual career-development plan. The programme offers connections with academic, industry and clinical partners. See “Training & network” for the full programme and practical arrangements.