PhD Position in Immunology: Type 2 Cytokines and Immune Cell Development

Project Overview

Type 2 immunity plays a central role in host defence against parasites and toxins, while also driving prevalent immune-mediated diseases such as eosinophilic asthma. This arm of immunity is orchestrated by key cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 - now major therapeutic targets of monoclonal antibody-based therapies.

Despite their clinical importance, how type 2 cytokines influence immune cell development and long-term function remains poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests these cytokines actively shape hematopoiesis, including myelopoiesis and lymphopoiesis, thereby influencing immune responses at their origin.

This project aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms linking type 2 cytokine signalling to immune cell development, with potential implications for both immunology and therapeutic interventions.

The project integrates cutting-edge experimental and computational approaches, including:

• Transgenic and disease mouse models
• High-dimensional and spectral flow cytometry
• Single-cell transcriptomics and epitranscriptomics
• Analysis of patient-derived samples

You will work at the interface of immunology, systems biology, and translational research.

You will:

• Design and perform in vivo and ex vivo experiments in mouse models of type 2 inflammation
• Generate and analyse high-dimensional cytometry data
• Perform integrative bioinformatic analyses of (epi)transcriptomic datasets
• Contribute to collaborative and translational projects involving clinical samples
• Present your work at international conferences and publish in leading journals

Training in animal work (FELASA certification) and bioinformatics will be provided where needed.

Research Environment:

You will join the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, led by Profs. Fabrice Bureau, Nathalie Jacobs and Christophe Desmet at the GIGA Institute of the University of Liege in Belgium. Our group is embedded within a vibrant, internationally recognized life sciences institute (>600 researchers) with direct links to the university hospital, enabling strong translational research in collaboration with clinical departments (Pneumology, Hematology). The project is a joint effort with Prof. Benjamin G. Dewals' lab of Parasitology at the FARAH Institute of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Liege and builds on recent high-impact publications from our teams (Immunity 2024, Sci Immunol 2025).

The institute provides access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, including:

• Advanced flow cytometry and cell sorting platforms
• High-throughput single-cell sequencing technologies
• Confocal imaging facilities
• SPF animal facilities and BSL-2/3 laboratories

The institute is located on a green, modern campus within easy reach (20–30 minutes) of Liege city centre. Liege offers affordable living, a vibrant cultural scene, and excellent connectivity to major European hubs (Brussels, Köln: 1hr, Paris: 3hrs, London, Amsterdam: 4hrs).

Candidate profile:

We are looking for candidates who:

• Hold (or will soon obtain) a Master’s degree in Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field
• Have a strong academic track record and a clear interest in immunology
• Having undergraduate experience in flow cytometry, genomics, or computational biology is a plus
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and rigor
• Thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments

Excellent command of English is required.

What we offer:

• A high-impact, interdisciplinary PhD project at the forefront of immunology
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and training (wet lab + computational)
• A supportive, international research environment with strong mentorship
• Opportunities to present at conferences and build a competitive academic profile
• Competitive salary and full funding for the duration of the PhD
• Flexible start date; applications reviewed on a rolling basis

Recruitment procedure:

Please send a motivation letter including the name of 2 academic references, a copy of your diploma and your curriculum vitae with academic grades to christophe.desmet@uliege.be. We will contact selected candidates for a virtual meeting before a potential on-site visit.