Funded PhD: Developing gene stratified therapeutics and delivery chemistries for pulmonary fibrosis using a novel iPSC drug assessment platform

• Principal investigator(s) Prof. Killian Hurley, Dr Mari Ozaki, Prof. Sally-Ann Cryan
• Research theme Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Respiratory Medicine

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal scarring lung disease often leading to death within three years of diagnosis.

Telomeres, protective structures or caps at the ends of chromosomes, governed by the enzyme telomerase are shortened in type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AT2) in sporadic IPF but particularly so in inherited mutations of telomere related genes causing severe disease with early onset.

New antifibrotic medications slow disease progression, however up to 30% of patients stop taking medications due to intolerable side effects or liver toxicity.

Lung transplant is still the only effective cure. Thus, a new human preclinical model is required to better understand pathogenesis and find new treatments. Induced pluripotent stem cells, reprogrammed from patient tissue with the capacity for self-renewal and their ability to differentiate in any cell type in the body offer new opportunities to develop in vitro models of difficult to obtain tissues that reflect patients’ phenotypes. AT2 cells generated from patient-iPSC (iAT2) can replicate elements of pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis and that telomere length in these cells undergoes heterogenous shortening over time, analogous to the shortening which occurs in vivo.

In this project, you will:

• Perform pharmaceutical formulation of lung-nanomedicines and high-content analysis of transfection in iAT2 alveolospheres.
• Assessment of lung-nanomedicines at an air liquid interface and integration with nebuliser devices.

This research project is funded by the European Research Council Starting Grant.

Tenure: Three years

Start date: 1 October 2025

Specification

Minimum requirements

• Upper second class (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a biomedical science with a focus on translational medicine or molecular biology (MSc degree would be beneficial but not essential).
• Basic laboratory skills.
• Proficient in both written and spoken communication skills in the English language.
• Strong organisational and teamwork skills with the ability to produce results and prioritise tasks.

Desirable candidate specifications

• Prior experience in a research lab would be a distinct advantage.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture techniques and molecular and/or cellular biology skills would be desirable.
• Experience with stem cell culture and differentiation in any system would be helpful but not essential as training in iPSC techniques will be provided in RCSI.
• Proven ability to work independently and as an effective team member.

Application process

Please apply for the research project through the link below.

Applications must include:

• A completed application form
• English language requirements – find more information here