Kapellos lab at Helmholtz Center Munich

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory condition with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities, typically caused by smoking or significant exposure to noxious particles and gases. A pivotal aspect of COPD pathogenesis is the dysregulation of immune responses within the lungs. Recent studies have underscored the importance of sex differences in the disease's pathophysiology, revealing that men and women may experience distinct immune responses in both lung and blood compartments. Such differences include alterations both in terms of cell composition and functionalities. Hence, understanding lung and blood immune cell population behavior in men and women is crucial for developing targeted therapies to modulate the immune response and mitigate lung damage in COPD.

This research project aims to investigate these sex-specific immune cell responses in COPD, focusing on the characterization and comparison of immune cell profiles in lung tissue and peripheral blood of male and female patients. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms driving these differences, the study seeks to enhance our understanding of COPD pathogenesis.

For this purpose, the Kapellos lab at Helmholtz Center Munich in collaboration with the LMU clinics are offering a Master thesis position. The successful candidate will:

1. coordinate human bronchoalveolar fluid and peripheral blood collection and processing
2. analyze retrospective and prospective human samples by multi-color flow cytometry
3. isolate and stimulate immune cells in vitro and study their responses to environmental stimuli

Qualifications:
• Enthusiasm and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary group consisting of basic scientists, clinicians and bioinformaticians
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and exhibition of good time management skills

Will be considered a plus:
• Previous exposure to flow cytometry and/or human cell culture

To express interest in this position, send one copy of your up-to-date CV and transcripts, as well as a motivation letter to Dr. Kapellos (theodoros.kapellos@helmholtz-munich.de).