Master thesis in bioanalytics and pharmacology

Establishment and validation of a Mannan-induced psoriasis arthritis-like disease model in mice 

Goal: Psoriasis (Ps) and psoriasis arthritis (PsA) are chronic, autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and severity of these disorders. The mouse model of Mannan-induced psoriasis arthritis is IL-17A dependent and induces inflammation of joints and skin lesions, which resemble the human disease (Khmaladze I et al., PMID: 25136095). At Idorsia, we are working in an in vivo immunology pharmacology laboratory and this model would be of high interest to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of actions of in house-developed compounds. The candidate tasks would be to establish and characterize the previously described model, to validate the model with reference compounds, and in parallel to assess the efficacy of Idorsia compounds. If time permits, the candidate would also validate and optimize additional efficacy models in the lab to improve the in vivo characterization of Idorsia compounds.

Working location: Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, 4123 Allschwil

Supervisors:
At University (Fakultätsvertreter): Prof. Stephan Krähenbühl and Prof. Matthias Liechti (matthias.liechti@clutterusb.ch), Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Basel

At Idorsia: Master Thesis supervisor (Leiter der Arbeit im Labor): Dr. Marianne Martinic, PhD (marianne.martinic@clutteridorsia.com), Director, Group Leader Immunology and Pharmacolgy; Direct supervisors: Anna Sassi and Jeremy Scherer (anna.sassi@clutteridorsia.com, jeremy.scherer@clutteridorsia.com)

Job Responsibilities:

• Learn to design, plan, and perform in vivo experiments on rodents (timelines, compound administrations, clinical scoring, tissue collection)
• Perform ex vivo analyses of collected rodent tissues such as flow cytometry, biomarker evaluation, enzyme activity measurements
• Keep accurate record of literature search, experimental protocol, and results (laboratory notebook, PowerPoint presentations)
• Present obtained data at lab meetings
• Contribute to the general laboratory infrastructure, including coordination with colleagues about the daily workflow, organization, maintenance  

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in life sciences or equivalent, with knowledge in Pharmacology and ideally also Immunology
• Practical research experience (knowledge of basic in vitro and sterile working techniques)
• Wish to perform in vivo work with rodents; previous contact with rodents and qualified to perform animal experiments in Switzerland (LTK module 1 or equivalent) would be an asset
• Enthusiastic, flexible, willingness to learn and self-motivated
• Excellent communication and record-keeping skills, attention to detail, accuracy, commitment to work as part of a team
• Fluent in both written and verbal communication in English; good German and French knowledge would be a plus
• Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, ideally also Prism)