PhD in mucosal immunology and stem cell research

This PhD project is focused on human intestinal tuft cells, a rare epithelial cell type which play a key role in driving repair processes and is known to strongly interact with the immune system, such as innate lymphoid cells. Through cutting-edge methods, like human intestinal organoids, Crispr/CAS9-based genetic editing, advanced imaging techniques, and (single-cell) transcriptomic profiling, we’re working to answer fundamental questions how tuft cells contribute to intestinal development, homeostasis, and repair.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

You are at the forefront of research on immune-epithelial crosstalk and regenerative medicine research. You will gain expertise in innovative molecular and cellular technologies. Specifically, you will:

• Use advanced imaging technologies to map cell types of interest;
• Perform and analyze (single cell) spatial transcriptomic experiments;
• Isolate rare cells of interest from primary human intestinal tissue using advanced purification techniques and FACS methods;
• Generate human intestinal organoids (mini-intestines) and use them for gain- and loss-of-function assays using CRISPR/Cas9 technologies;
• Expand and functionally test isolated innate lymphocytes (ILCs);
• Set up and perform complex cell cultures in which organoids and immune cells are combined.

You are ready to tackle complex scientific challenges and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries at a translational level. You have:

• A master’s degree in immunology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field;
• Experience in cell culture, molecular techniques, and/or bioinformatics;
• Experience abroad is a plus;
• A proactive and curious mindset, with an intrinsic motivation to explore the unknown;
• Excellent communication skills and command of English to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team.