Call for applications for a fully financed PhD fellowship
Autoimmune diseases are frequently associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Although some of these may be ascribed to the psychological impact of chronic disease, vasculitis affecting the brain, systemic inflammation, or side effects of treatments, a significant component remains unexplained. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it has been observed that a subset of autoantibodies can cross-react with e.g., NMDA receptors, and it has been hypothesized that such peripherally produced autoantibodies may gain entry into the brain parenchyma during periods of transient blood-brain-barrier breakdown. Yet, blood-brain-barrier integrity is maintained over long periods of time in many of these autoimmune conditions, including SLE, highlighting a disconnect with the high frequency of neuropsychiatric manifestations. However, a subset of autoantibodies, mainly targeting nucleic acids and ribonucleoproteins, has been observed to have unique cell-penetrating properties. Based on recent data, we hypothesize that these antibodies may account for the unexplained component of neuropsychiatric manifestations. The present PhD proposal will investigate this phenomenon in well-established animal models, cell lines, and using patient material. The mechanistic basis of the cell-penetrating properties of the autoantibodies will be explored, focusing on the molecular patterns recognized. On the methodology side this will involve standard biomedical laboratory techniques, RNA and glycobiology tools, and DNA-PAINT superresolution microscopy. The project is part of The Center for Cellular Signal Patterns (CellPAT), a Danish National Research Foundation-funded Centre-of-Excellence aiming to understand the role of molecular patterns in central biological processes with relevance for health and disease. The PhD candidate will interface with other students working in the interdisciplinary nanoscience field in the groups of Prof. Steffen Thiel, Biomedicine, Prof. Jørgen Kjems, MBG, and Prof. Ralf Jungmann, Max Planck Institute, Munich, among others.
MSc in a relevant biomedical field (molecular biology, molecular medicine or equivalent). Animal experimentation license preferred. Experience with animal experiments, histology, immunofluorescence microscopy and/or flow cytometry will be looked upon favourably.
Please submit your application via this link. Application deadline is 25 June 2025 23:59 CET. Preferred starting date is 1 September 2025.
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.
Please contact Associate Professor Søren E. Degn, sdegn@biomed.au.dk, for more information.
All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
