Thesis work, 60 credits - Investigating lung macrophage-epithelial cross talk in response to air pollution particles

Are you a master student with a passion for Bioscience? Then we can offer you meaningful and impactful thesis work at our vibrant R&D site in Gothenburg. 

About AstraZeneca: 

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-centred biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than a global leading pharmaceutical company. At AstraZeneca, we're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work and empowering employees to push the boundaries of science and fuel their entrepreneurial spirit.  

About the Opportunity: 

As a Thesis Worker at AstraZeneca, you’ll find an environment that’s full of unique opportunities and exciting challenges. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your areas of interest whilst equally developing a broad skillset and knowledge base to get the best out of your experience. You’ll be working on meaningful projects to make an impact and deliver real value for our patients and our business. 

Thesis work description:  

Airborne pollution particulate matter (PM), is a complex mix of substances from various sources, including vehicle emissions, industry, construction, wildfires, dust, and pollen. The size of the particles determines their potential impact on health, with PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of ≤2.5 µm) being of significant concern as these can penetrate deep into the lung, potentially causing negative health effects and progression of respiratory diseases such as COPD. The interactions between alveolar macrophages and lung epithelial cells are central for maintaining lung homeostasis, but the mechanisms underlying their cross talk in response to PM2.5 remain poorly studied. 

Therefore, we are looking for a master thesis student for an 8-month period to establish a physiologically relevant in vitro system for investigating the direct effects of cellular exposure to PM2.5. The project will involve isolation of human primary alveolar macrophages from lung tissue and 3D differentiation of human primary lung epithelial cells in air-liquid interface culture. The response of these cell types to PM2.5 exposure will be assessed, both in isolation and in cross talk with each other. Molecular biology techniques such as RT-qPCR, Western blot, ELISA and IHC and functional assays such as measurements of ciliary beating and trans-epithelial electric resistance will be used to evaluate inflammation, oxidative stress, and other markers of cellular response. Finally, if time allows, the model will be further developed by testing the inclusion of other disease-relevant stressors such as cigarette smoke extract. Additionally, the student may explore the modulation of the PM2.5 treatment response by project compounds, offering potential therapeutic insights. 

About Us: 

This master thesis project will be carried out in the Bioscience department of early Respiratory & Immunology.  

The Bioscience COPD/IPF department consist of 7 teams spread across Sweden, UK and US and our focus is primarily to progress projects within our portfolio, but it also includes work to increase our knowledge of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and to support target identification for new projects. 

Structure:

• Location: Gothenburg
• Start: Autumn semester 2025
• Credits: 60hp

Essential Requirements: 

• Ongoing master’s studies in relevant discipline 
• Previous practical experience in culture of cells using good sterile technique  
• Skills in any of the methods described above is a plus 
• Scientific curiosity as well as good communication and documentation skills are critical 

So, what’s next?  

Apply today and take the chance to be part of making a difference, making connections, and gaining the tools and experience to open doors and fulfil your potential. We can´t wait to hear from you!  

We welcome your application as soon as possible, but ahead of the scheduled closing date 30th of Mars 2025. In the event that we identify suitable candidates ahead of the scheduled closing date, we reserve the right to withdraw the vacancy earlier than published.