PhD Position in Immuno-Oncology: Reprogramming Macrophages via Caspase-8 Inhibition in Leukemia
Explore novel therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia by investigating how caspase-8 inhibition reprograms immunosuppressive macrophages.
Best for:Best for Master’s graduates in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields with 1–4 years of research experience and a strong interest in cancer immunology and chemical biology.
Overview
This PhD project at INSERM’s U1065 laboratory in Nice, France, focuses on uncovering non-canonical caspase-8 (NC-CASP8) as a potential drug target to reverse macrophage-mediated immunosuppression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The candidate will employ a multidisciplinary approach combining human macrophage models, leukemia-conditioned environments, primary patient samples, chemical biology, and in vivo leukemia models. The goal is to characterize NC-CASP8’s molecular mechanisms and assess its role in reprogramming macrophages toward an anti-leukemic state. This work bridges immunology, cancer biology, and chemical biology, offering a translational path toward novel AML therapies.
What you'll do
- Investigate the role of non-canonical caspase-8 (NC-CASP8) in regulating immunosuppressive macrophages in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
- Develop and apply human monocyte-derived macrophage models, leukemia-conditioned macrophages, and primary AML patient samples for experimental validation.
- Characterize NC-CASP8 and its molecular partners using activity-based probes and advanced chemical biology techniques.
- Assess the effects of selective NC-CASP8 inhibition on macrophage reprogramming toward a pro-inflammatory, anti-leukemic state in vitro and in vivo.
- Conduct in vivo leukemia models to evaluate therapeutic potential and mechanistic insights.
- Publish findings in high-impact scientific journals and present results at international conferences.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate biological, chemical, and clinical perspectives.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related biomedical field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: French; Basic proficiency (Level A2/B1)
Instruction: English
- Proven experience in cell culture and macrophage differentiation techniques.
- Familiarity with molecular biology methods (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence).
- Experience with primary cell isolation and handling, particularly from patient samples.
- Basic knowledge of chemical biology and activity-based protein profiling.
- Proficiency in standard laboratory techniques (e.g., flow cytometry, microscopy, qPCR).
- Ability to work with in vivo animal models (e.g., mouse leukemia models).
- 1–4 years of research experience post-Master’s.
- No nationality restrictions, but basic French proficiency is required for local integration.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15 (Europe/Paris)
Applicants must send a subject line with the project title and attach a CV, a cover letter detailing their research experience and motivation, and a research proposal (max 2 pages) to the supervisor via email. Two reference letters should be provided separately by referees.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter explaining research experience and motivation
- Research proposal (max 2 pages)
- Two reference letters
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.