PhD positions to study precision medicine for respiratory diseases

Job description

Asthma and COPD are widespread chronic respiratory diseases that impose a heavy social and economic burden. Traditional treatments often follow a "one-size-fits-all" approach, merely suppressing symptoms without achieving true health improvements. The MSCA Doctoral Network RESPIRE-EXCEL is set to revolutionize this by introducing precision medicine tailored to individual patients. We are looking for 15 enthusiastic PhD students to join our innovative project. As a PhD student in RESPIRE-EXCEL, you will be part of a dynamic, international team of young researchers. You will undertake your own research project at your host organization, focusing on your specific area of interest. To broaden your expertise, part of your PhD will be conducted at other RESPIRE-EXCEL partner organizations via internships.

Our program offers advanced interdisciplinary courses led by top experts in Precision Medicine for Respiratory Diseases. You will gain cross-sectoral competencies and multidisciplinary knowledge, enabling you to collaborate effectively with industry, healthcare, and academia. The RESPIRE-EXCEL consortium includes numerous academic, industrial, and societal partners from across Europe and the UK, such as the European Lung Foundation and the European Respiratory Society. Are you ready to make a difference in the field of respiratory medicine? Explore the PhD positions available in the RESPIRE-EXCEL project and join us in shaping the future of precision medicine for asthma and COPD!

Charting Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (Mechanisms)

To define asthma and COPD endotypes, we will study cellular and molecular mechanisms in lung tissue. Using existing datasets and advanced techniques, we will map gene regulatory networks and predict responses. We will analyze lung tissue with spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and lipidomics to identify disease mechanisms and treatment targets. RESPIRE-EXCEL partners will support these integrated analyses.

PhD student 1: A spatial map of pathologic cell-cell interactions in lung tissue in asthma and COPD. Host organisation: Stockholm University, SE; Contact: Christos Samakovlis (Christos.Samakovlis@su.se)

PhD student 2: A multimodal analysis and functional dissection of cell circuits in COPD progression. Host organisation: Helmholtz Center Munich, DE; Contact: Herbert Schiller (herbert.schiller@helmholtz-munich.de)

PhD student 3: A multimodal tissue atlas of cellular neighbourhoods in airway wall in severe asthma. Host organisation: Karolinska Institute, SE; Contact: Jenny Mjösberg (jenny.mjosberg@ki.se);Craig Wheelock (craig.wheelock@ki.se)

PhD student 13: Gene regulatory networks driving pathological cell behaviour in asthma and COPD. Host organisation: The Chancellor Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge, UK; Contact: Sarah Teichmann (sat1003@cam.ac.uk), Tracy Andrew (tlh21@cam.ac.uk).

Identifying Disease Endotypes for Patient Stratification (Biomarkers)

To stratify patients for precision medicine, we need biomarkers in nasal swabs or blood that reflect lung disease mechanisms. We will analyze samples from asthma and COPD patients using advanced techniques to identify patient clusters and link them to disease mechanisms. This will help distinguish asthma and COPD endotypes for targeted treatments.

PhD student 4: Transcriptomic & epigenetic biomarkers of hyper-inflammatory asthma endotypes driven by repeated viral infection. Host organisation: University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, DE; Contact: Markus Weckmann (Markus.Weckmann@uksh.de)

PhD student 5: Pre-COPD, early COPD and COPD biomarkers across the lifespan. Host organisation: Barcelona Clinic Research Foundation, ES; Contact: Rosa Faner (RFANER@recerca.clinic.cat)

PhD student 6: Transcriptional and epigenetic changes in airway wall in asthma across the lifespan. Host organisation: University Medical Center Groningen, NL; Contact: Gerard Koppelman g.h.koppelman@umcg.nl)

PhD student 7: An inflammation atlas of circulating immune cells for asthma and COPD biomarkers. Host organisation: Omniscope Spain, ES; Contact: Marta Soto Gimeno (martasg@omniscope.ai)

Cellular & Molecular Basis for Treatment Responses to Biologicals (Treatment)

To achieve disease remission with precision medicine, we will identify which asthma and COPD endotypes respond to treatments like Tezepelumab, Dupilumab, and Mepolizumab. We will analyze patient samples before and after treatment using scRNA-seq, immunohistochemical analyses, and functional studies. This will help identify responder and non-responder endotypes, explore new treatments, and understand treatment responses.

PhD student 8: Resetting the immune system in severe exacerbating asthma: a unique asthma endotype. Host organisation: Bispebjerg Hospital Copenhagen, DK; Contact: Celeste Porsbjerg (celeste.porsbjerg@regionh.dk)

PhD student 14: Treatment response to anti-IL5 (Mepolizumab) in patients with severe asthma. Host organisation: Imperial College London, UK; Contact: Ian Adcock (ian.adcock@imperial.ac.uk)

PhD student 15: Towards precision medicine for COPD: treatment responses to anti-TSLP. Host organisation: University of Leicester, UK; Contact: Adam Wright (adam.wright@leicester.ac.uk), David Cousins (dc282@leicester.ac.uk)

Endotype-based Models for Validation of Targets and Biomarkers (Models)

Current treatments may not cover all asthma and COPD endotypes. We will identify and validate targets for additional endotypes. RESPIRE-EXCEL will create a comprehensive lung disease atlas, integrating various datasets. We will also develop COPD model atlases using scRNA-seq data from patients, cultured cells, and mouse models. This will guide target validation and drug discovery. Additionally, we will generate primary cell culture models to study endotype-specific mechanisms using air-liquid interface and 3D epithelial organoid culture models.

PhD student 9: An integrated disease atlas of human lung tissue in asthma and COPD. Host organisation: University Medical Center Groningen, NL; Contact: Martijn Nawijn (m.c.nawijn@umcg.nl)

PhD student 10: Comparative analysis of model systems to study COPD. Host organisation: Helmholtz Center Munich, DE; Contact person: Malte Lücken (malte.luecken@helmholtz-munich.de)

PhD student 11: Advanced bronchial epithelial cell culture models of asthma endotypes validated by transcriptional signatures. Host organisation: University Medical Center Groningen, NL; Contact: Martijn Nawijn (m.c.nawijn@umcg.nl)

PhD student 12: Cell circuits in the airway wall in early-stage COPD. Host organisation: National Center for Scientific Research, FR; Contact person: Laure-Emmanuelle Zaragosi (zaragosi@ipmc.cnrs.fr), Pascal Barbry (barbry@ipmc.cnrs.fr)

Working environment

Joining the MSCA-DN training network offers a dynamic and collaborative working environment across prestigious institutions. As a PhD student, you will be enrolled in the graduate school of top universities in Europe and the UK. The research you perform at your host institute and the courses you will attend will be complemented by network-wide activities. You'll engage with experts from diverse fields, access state-of-the-art facilities, and gain international experience. The program includes comprehensive training, workshops, and seminars led by leading researchers, enhancing your skills and knowledge. You'll be part of a supportive academic community that encourages collaboration and intellectual growth, with regular meetings and social events. Additionally, you'll receive career guidance and enjoy a flexible work environment that values diversity and inclusion, enriching your personal and professional life.

What do we need

Eligible candidates for a PhD position in the MSCA-DN RESPIRE-EXCEL should have the following qualifications:

• A(n) (almost) completed master’s degree in a discipline relevant to the PhD position(s) for which you apply.
• Strong motivation for scientific research in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
• Track record in research projects on biology of the lung or lung diseases is preferred.
• Excellent English presentation and writing skills.
• Good organizational and communication skills, being a team-player.

Successful candidates must fulfil the criteria defined by the European Commission:

• As a Doctoral Candidate, you have not been awarded a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
• At the time of recruitment by the host organisation, Doctoral Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date.

What do we offer

The salary for PhD students in the MSCA-DN training network is competitive and varies depending on the specific institution and country of employment. Each organization offers a remuneration package that aligns with local standards and regulations, ensuring fair compensation for your work. The start of the PhD projects is envisaged between June 2025 and September 2025.