PhD position at U1183-Inserm (IRMB, Montpellier)

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our innovative Immun4Cure initiative at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine & Biotherapy (IRMB; Montpellier, France). Our collaborative project is an exciting opportunity to explore the intersection of Immunology and RNA biology.

Project entitled Integrated 3D Analysis of Neutrophils: Bridging Clinical and Multi-omics Insights Towards Precision Medicine in Autoimmune Arthritis Disease.

Our global Translational Research Program proposes to study at a multidimensional level the function of neutrophils and their interactions with other myeloid cells in autoimmune disease patients (the Clinical Unit-CHU Montpellier) in collaboration with Dr Alexandre DAVID (expert in post-transcriptional mechanisms at IRCM, Montpellier). The project represents a genuine interdisciplinary collaboration, uniting partners whose combined expertise covers the crucial aspects of clinical, molecular biology, and immunology.

Environment: The thesis position is fully supported during 3 years by the IHU (University Hospital Institute) Immun4Cure. This institute offers a breakthrough program with new cellular and biological therapeutic tools to fully restore immune homeostasis in autoimmune diseases and change the course of care and prognosis. Immun4Cure brings together 11 research institutes, 10 clinical departments, 3 hospital laboratories, 2 research infrastructures, and a whole range of technical platforms.

Co-Supervision: Dr Mar NARANJO-GOMEZ (MNG; Ph.D, HDR, CRCN-INSERM) and Pr Yves-Marie PERS (PU-PH, MD, Ph.D, HDR, CHU Montpellier). MNG is a recognized immunology expert specializing in immune system dysfunctions and potential therapeutic solutions (ORCID number 0000-0002-7068-2671). Notably, Dr. Naranjo-Gomez has pioneered the development of a tolerogenic cell therapy product currently undergoing clinical evaluation (NCT02903537). By exploiting her integrative vision of the immune system, MNG is leading projects based on her expertise in antibody-mediated responses involving multiple immune cells (including neutrophils and monocytes), with different levels of interaction in collaboration with Pr Yves-Marie PERS (Head of the unit Clinical Immunology and Therapeutic; Rheumatology department, Lapeyronie hospital, CHUM). He has more than 100 publications in the field of auto-immune diseases (AIDs), biomarkers, and biotherapy.

Training and skills: Master’s degree/Engineering degree

• Recommended training: Master 2 (Bac +5) in Immunology.
• Appreciated experience: skills in cell culture (work in BSL2), a good knowledge of human immune systems, theoretical and practical knowledge of flow cytometry is desirable, experience in bioinformatics would be a plus, ability to work successfully in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Skills sought: curious, ability to set up and perform well-designed experiments, rigorous, and good presentation skills.