Project 3

The role of NETs in steady state and sepsis – an omics perspective

Host institute: Universität Münster, Germany (WWU)
Supervisor: Prof. Oliver Soehlein (WWU)
Co-supervisor: Dr Stephanie Franzén (UU)

Objectives
1. To investigate and identify the suitable drug target to prevent NET formation by targeting different states of PAD2/4 (such as active vs. inactive states). 
The derived results support the Doctoral Candidate of project 7 (DC7) to focus on the right conformation of PAD2/4 for the development of inhibitors and PROTACs for PAD2/4.
2. To apply the imaging probes (developed by DC7) to investigate the possibility to identify PAD2/4 as new biomarker and use the probes as diagnostic tools for sepsis.

Expected Results
1. Identification of the suitable conformation of PAD2/4 for drug development to prevent NET formation.
2. Proof-of-concept to use PAD2/4 as biomarkers in sepsis and use the new probes and diagnostic tools.

Secondments
- UMA (3 months)
- UU (3 months)
- PharmaTarget (1 month)

Requirements
Qualifications: Master in Science (MSc) equivalent to 240 credits, good knowledge in analysis of large omics data sets is a must, English B2 or above. The chosen applicant will be processed through the university application system and require the institution board approval prior to acceptance for doctoral studies.
Experience: Minimum of four years undergrad studies within the fields of bioinformatics, biology, or biomedicine. The applicant should have experience in different basic methodology within the research field.
Knowledge & skills: The applicant should have good knowledge in molecular biology and preferably expertise in the analysis of scRNAseq, bulks RNAseq and/or proteomics data. Interest in wet lab experiments and handling of laboratory animals is preferred.
Abilities: In abundance to the aforementioned requirements, the applicant should possess the ability to successfully conduct literature studies i.e., retrieve, critically review, analyze, and summarize literature. The applicant should be fluent in English in both writing and speech and have good communication abilities. The ability to independently develop analysis pipelines is meritorious.
Attitude and disposition: The Praetorian MSCA doctoral network requires abundant traveling and social settings. The applicant should be willing to present research orally and in writing, socialize and network at meetings within the consortium but also at major international conferences and at the home institution. The applicant is expected to voluntary contribute to the science community including engaging in scientific communities and PhD-communities at Münster University.