PhD Position in Immunology and Chemistry for Rheumatoid Arthritis

This doctoral position focuses on creating a novel nano-biotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis by combining targeted methotrexate delivery via carbon nanotubes with the selective elimination of inflammatory macrophages. Based at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology in Strasbourg within the CNRS unit, the project sits at the exciting interface of immunology and chemistry. The successful candidate will conduct in vitro biological assays, study in vivo biodistribution and targeting efficiency in murine models, and evaluate therapeutic efficacy to establish pre-clinical proof of concept. The work is supported by an ANR-funded project under the supervision of Dr. Hélène Dumortier and in close collaboration with a team of chemists.

• Evaluate the biological efficacy of carbon nanotube-based conjugates through in vitro assays examining methotrexate effects, targeting, and macrophage elimination.
• Investigate the in vivo biodistribution and targeting efficiency of therapeutic conjugates using a murine model of collagen-induced arthritis.
• Assess the therapeutic efficacy of the developed nano-biotherapy in pre-clinical animal models to establish proof of concept.
• Perform cellular immunolabeling and advanced flow cytometry analyses to monitor cell populations and treatment responses.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams of immunologists and chemists to optimize nanoparticle formulations and experimental workflows.