Advancing Targeted Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: From B Cells to Lung Tissue. 2 PhD positions in the HORIZON funded EU consortium ON-TRACT

Project 1: Evaluation of targeted delivery strategies of oligonucleotide therapeutics to B cells

Host institution: Uppsala University, Department of Pharmacy

Supervisor: Prof. Sara Mangsbo, Uppsala University

Project 2: Delivery of ONs for targeted inhaled administration with the focus on chronic lung diseases such as lung cancer, asthma and COPD

 Host institution: Uppsala University, Department of Pharmacy

Supervisor: Prof. Sara Mangsbo, Uppsala University

About the Department

The Department of Pharmacy at Uppsala University has an interdisciplinary environment at the center of the pharmaceutical arena. With frontline research, first-rate education and extensive collaborations we constitute an important driving force in the development of our academic field.

In this inspiring environment our rich diversity of research groups, several of international prominence, develop and conduct work of great scientific importance.

Our scientific focus areas in selection: Biologics • Pharmacoeconomics • Pharmacoepidemiology • Pharmacokinetics-Pharmacodynamics • Pharmacometrics • Pharmacotherapy • Molecular Pharmaceutics • Clinical Pharmacy • Drug Delivery  • Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology • Social Pharmacy

More information www.farmaci.uu.se

Project description

ON-TRACT focuses on advancing oligonucleotides (ONs) in medicinal chemistry to tackle urgent challenges in treating lung cancer, B-cell malignancies, and chronic inflammation. ONs are powerful tools for gene-specific therapy, yet their clinical use is hindered by challenges such as limited stability, inefficient delivery, and off-target effects.

Project 1: In this B cell-disease oriented project we aim to improve targeting of ON-based drugs to B cells using protein-based targeting methods coupled with studies related to endosomal escape properties of the ON after internalization. 

We will employ the novel Adaptable Drug Affinity Conjugate (ADAC) technology, a variant of an Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC), to ensure modularity of the payload properties and thereby promote higher throughput screening to enable evaluations of payload transportation. The work will include ON design of variants of ON based conjugates as well as protein design with the goal to improve cellular uptake and intracellular routing. The project will also evaluate in vivo biodistribution and on/off-target effects.

Project 2: In this lung-oriented project we aim to improve the understanding of localization and absorption mechanisms of ONs utilizing lung epithelial cell and in vivo models.

Different airway epithelial cell cultures models will be developed to study ON uptake and effect in (patho)physiological conditions of lung diseases (comparing healthy and disease tissue). The project will focus on targeted delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics to the lung. Project specific parts will include development of ex vivo ectopic human lung tissue models, uptake mechanism studies, endosomal escape properties, and aggregation propensity of ONs. The project may also reach a stage of analyses of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies including modelling to determine the localization, distribution, and potential on/off-target effects of ONs in vivo. The final aim is to gain know-how on how to optimize formulations for different administration routes in order for us to develop improved lung exposure of innovative ON derivates.

Host laboratory

The research activities in the group of Prof. Mangsbo are focused on the development of new drug modalities, and subsequent study of the effects on biological systems. The group has full access to state-of-the-art laboratories for in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo biological system read-outs including imaging facilities and advanced flow cytometry readouts. The production of substances for use in the biological read-outs will be performed by the network collaborators.

Secondments

This project is carried out in strong collaboration with SweDeliver and AstraZeneca, and visits to SweDeliver partners with expertise within parenteral drug deliver along with collaborative research visits to AstraZeneca in Gothenburg as well as partners in the ON-TRACT consortium is expected during the project. A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential.

Eligibility conditions

• Doctoral Candidates must, at the time of recruitment, not yet been awarded a doctoral degree.
• A Master’s degree or equivalent in natural sciences such as biomedicine, pharmacy, drug delivery, chemistry, chemical engineering or similar.
• Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the Sweden for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the date of recruitment (EU mobility rule).

Required Skills

• Research experience (e.g. through Master thesis work or research internships) in drug development of both synthetic compounds and biologics. Basic knowledge in cellular and molecular biology techniques will be a strong advantage.
• Proficient in English.

Benefits

• A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training program.
• The possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences.
• A strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility.
• The possibility to perform research visits to internationally renowned research labs in Europe.
• A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship.
• A competitive salary including mobility and family allowances.

Enquire

For general information about the ON-TRACT project visit the web page OligoNucleotide Technologies for Rapid Advancement of Cancer Therapies | ON-TRACT | Project | Fact Sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission

For additional information on this project please contact Prof. Mangsbo (sara.mangsbo@uu.se).

How to apply

To complete your on-line application, you need to upload the following information:

1. Curriculum vitae.
2. A certificate of University examinations taken (with marks).
3. An attested copy of your final degree certificate translated in English. If, at the time of application, candidates should not be yet in possession of a degree certificate, they can submit it at the time of the examination.
4. Your statement of interest (limit of 2,500 characters) explaining why you wish to be considered for the position, which of the two positions you prefer and which qualities and experience you will bring to the role (mandatory to upload).
5. English standardized test score statement or other proof of your English proficiency.
6. Contact details of up to two contacts for reference letters.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and Policies and Regulations at Uppsala University.

Application deadline

The closing date for applications is 15 Dec 2025, with interviews expected to take place in December 2025 and January 2026.  

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date January 15, 2026 or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

PhD students employed through the Marie Sklodowska Curie program will receive a salary in accordance with the Marie Curie regulations for doctoral candidates for the time of their fellowship (36 months). This means that gross salary (i.e. after deduction of employer’s taxes but including employee’s taxes) is approx. (pending exchange rates) 37 000 SEK/month (without family allowance). Employee’s national and local taxes will be deducted from this gross salary before payment of the net salary to the doctoral candidate. At the end of the project an additional payment of salary may be made, if the average exchange rate during the entire project is higher than then estimated exchange rate.

For the remaining time of the studies, you will be employed on a regular PhD contract, with salary according to the agreed salary ladder for PhD students. Follow this link to read more about financing for PhD students, and a local collective agreement for salaries for PhD students.

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Sara Mangsbo, sara.mangsbo@uu.se

Please submit your application by 15 Dec 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3226.

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