PhD Student Position-Osteoimmune
A PhD student position is available in the European FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network
OSTEOIMMUNE. The PhD student position will be one the 14 trainees involved in cutting edge
research to understand key molecular, cellular and clinical mechanisms in the pathogenesis of
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
The FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network OSTEOIMMUNE offers structured training for early
stage researchers within an established network of leading scientists and clinicians in the fields of
immunology, bone biology, rheumatology, molecular biology, genetics and drug development.
In addition to the individual research project each local training project also comprises network-wide
training activities including inter-lab exchanges (secondments), summer schools, courses in
transferable skills and conferences.
Description
The candidate will focus on the role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid
Arthritis (RA). More specifically, the candidate will perform key experiments to define the role of TLR4
in bone erosion during RA pathogenesis. Using proprietary monoclonal antibodies and different
disease models as well as human disease tissues, the candidate will validate TLR4 as a target in RA
treatment.
The candidate’s research activities will be performed at NovImmune SA in Geneva, Switzerland, with
technical and scientific support from the OSTEOIMMUNE network. The position will be available from
January 2013.
Requirements:
o Qualified applicants are those in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of
their research careers in biology-related fields (Biochemistry, Immunology; Pharmacology, etc,…)
and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Experiences in a similar field will be helpful.
o The candidate must be eligible to work in Switzerland and to travel to collaborating partners in
European countries. Self-motivation and curiosity are essential to be part of an international
interdisciplinary team of clinicians and basic scientists.
o A strong interest in immunology, cell biology.
o Candidates must have good interpersonal and communication skills and must be fluent in written
and spoken English.
o Experiences working with animal models of Rheumatoid Arthritis will be positively evaluated.
Additional requirements:
The qualified candidate must not have resided or carried out his (her) main activity in Switzerland for
more than 12 months in the last 3 years. Short stays as holidays are not taken into account.
Nr of positions available: 1
Research Fields
Biological sciences
Career Stage
Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)
Benefits
Marie Curie fellows will enjoy benefits of full social security, vacation, competitive monthly living and
mobility allowance, yearly travel allowance and coverage of the expenses related to your participation
in research and training activities.