PROJECT DESCRIPTON
More than 2,000 lung transplantations are performed annually in Europe but the 5- year survival rate is only 60%. Organs fail due to a vigorous inflammatory response. The aim of the DC9 project is to develop RNA nanoparticle formulations to deliver siRNA or mRNA for silencing or reduction of inflammatory markers, and to optimise methods of endothelial and epithelial targeted delivery in lung models. The optimal RNA nanoparticle formulations will progress to testing in in vivo models of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP).
Objectives:
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Screen siRNAs for silencing of inflammatory markers in stimulated endothelial cell culture models.
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Develop and compare targeted LNPs with siRNA and mRNA for endothelial targeted delivery of anti-inflammatories in the perfused lung, or in vivo.
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Evaluate therapeutic efficacy in in vivo models of lung inflammation.
If successful this project will identify inflammatory targets to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and optimised, well characterised siRNA and mRNA nanoparticle formulations for delivery to in vitro and in vivo models of this pathology.
Planned secondments:
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KU Leuven, Belgium: Evaluate siRNA and mRNA therapeutics in murine models of EVLP (months 18-20)
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Miltenyi Biotec, Germany: MACSima analysis (month 30)
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
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You hold a Master’s degree (no PhD) in bioengineering, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, pharmacy or a related field, or an MD.
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You are passionate about life sciences and engineering, and want to achieve a PhD degree on the topic described in the description above
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You are ambitious, well organized and have excellent communication skills.
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You are proficient in English both spoken and written
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You have a solutions-oriented mindset that thrives in a multidisciplinary team
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You have the ability to work independently and have a critical mindset.
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You are an enthusiastic and motivated person, eager to participate in network-wide training events, international travel and public awareness activities.
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Willingness to travel
DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERTISE
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Cell culture with good sterile techniques
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Recombinant DNA and molecular biology techniques
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Protein analysis by electrophoresis and Western blotting
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Immunohistochemical staining for fluorescent microscopy analysis
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Appropriate use of statistical methods of data analysis
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Ability to analyse, summarise and present data using a range of software applications