University of Cambridge
Job title:
PhD positions to study precision medicine for respiratory diseases
Company
University of Cambridge
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! For a more detailed description of the PhD projects please visit the website.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.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.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.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.Please apply via the bleow link:The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Expected salary
Location
Cambridge
Job date
Fri, 31 Jan 2025 04:49:56 GMT
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