Laboratory work for GET-IN doctoral network

Doctoral Candidate 4

Development of a pipeline for the efficacy and safety assessment of gene therapy in microphysiological systems

PROJECT INFORMATION

project example University of Tübingen GET-IN

Host institution: University of Tübingen, Germany

Supervisory team: Prof. Peter Loskill (University of Tübingen), Prof. Rik Gijsbers (KU Leuven), Dr. Martine Geraerts (UCB)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project is situated in the development of non-animal, humanized model systems (Organ-on-Chip, OoC). The objectives are: (1) Establish a pipeline for gene therapy delivery screening in OoCs using several first exposure organs (2) Evaluate on target and off target immune reactions covering circulating PBMCs, tissue resident immune cells (system specific) and secondary immune response (lymph node-chip) (3) Evaluate target-cell/tissue specificity and efficacy versus off-target effects and toxicity. The project will involve expertise in the fields of bioengineering, immunology and microfluidics.

A successful project will result in: (1) Established protocols to evaluate rAAV, VLP and VesiCas in OoC settings. (2) Vector delivery studies including on- and off-target analysis and efficacy using fluorescence-based life imaging on multiple OoC, including: heart, retina, adipose, choroid, pancreas, liver, lymph node and blood vessel. (3) Immune response profiling including circulating immune and tissue resident immune cells.

Enrolment in Doctoral School: University of Tübingen

Planned secondments:

UCB (M15): analytical methods and QC
KU Leuven (M15 and M24-25): Vector productions, gene-editing, design of biosensors for life-imaging
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (M33-35): Modelling techniques
Miltenyi Biotech (M38): Working in GMP environments

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

You hold a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, immunology, pharmacology or a related field.
You are ambitious, well organized and have excellent communication skills.
You are proficient in English both verbal and written
You have the ability to work independently and have a critical mindset.
You are an enthusiastic and motivated person, eager to participate in network wide training events, international travel and public awareness activities.
Willingness to travel

SKILLS AND EXPERTISE

Solid knowledge of tissue engineering and microfluidics is an asset.
Good understanding of immunology