SUBJECT
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with variable clinical expression over the life span and that can be divided into two broad classes: allergic and non-allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is typically associated with an early onset in childhood and is more frequent in boys (3 boys for 1 girl affected). In contrast, non-allergic asthma tends to appear later in life and is more frequent in women than men (3 women for 2 men). This change in the sex ratio of prevalence occurs at puberty suggesting the involvement of that sex hormones. While epidemiologic studies document these sex ratio discrepancies and a possible association with hormonal changes, the relationship between sex hormone levels and asthma subtypes is poorly characterized (Is this relation causal ? What are the genetic pathways implicated ?).
Genetics, in particular Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), offers several advantages to tackle this question, such as the possibility to do causal inference to ascertain the role of sex hormone levels in asthma subtypes, and the ability to pinpoint pathways involved in each subtype.
To better understand the interplay between sex, and asthma subtypes, and treatment outcomes, we propose a sex-stratified exploration of the genetic overlap between asthma, and hormonal traits (age at menarche, estradiol, testosterone ….). With the help and supervision of the host team, the trainee will :
- Generate sex-stratified GWAS data for asthma and hormonal traits.
- Compute sex-stratified genetic correlations between asthma subtypes and hormonal traits.
- Identify loci and pathways underlying the association between sex hormones and asthma subtypes.
This investigation will shed light on the interplay between sex hormones, and asthma subtypes, potentially showing the way to improved treatment of asthma. Through this project, the applicant will be able to develop their knowledge in genetics, sex-based genetic differences, and genetic epidemiology. The internship will be hosted at the Institut Pasteur in the Statistical Genetics team and co-supervised by two researchers with complementary expertise: Dr. Hanna Julienne who is an expert in statistical genetics, and the Dr. Emmanuelle Bouzigon who is an expert in the genetic epidemiology of asthma.
QUALIFICATIONS
The selected candidate should have a quantitative background with statistical and computational skills. They should be qualified with at least one programming language (e.g. Python, R). The candidate will typically be a Masters or Engineering student in Statistics/Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science or other relevant disciplines with a quantitative research background. Knowledge of biology or genetics would be considered an asset, but is not strictly required. We are a team committed to fostering a fair, inclusive and diverse work environment. Diversity has been scientifically established as a key factor to improve scientific objectivity. Hence, all applicants will be evaluated solely based on qualification regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race or disability.
THE INSTITUT PASTEUR
The Institut Pasteur is an internationally renowned center for biomedical research that stands out in many disciplines. The campus, founded in 1887 by Louis Pasteur and located in the center of Paris, hosts over 1,300 researchers and 300 doctoral students from over 60 nationalities. It is a creative and inspiring environment full of expertise and opportunities to connect and learn. The department of Computational Biology hosts multiple teams and a biostatistics/bioinformatics hub which includes over 50 PhD engineers specialized in computational biology.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Candidates should send, in French or English, their curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a cover letter, and contact information for one references or more to Dr. Hanna Julienne (hanna.julienne@pasteur.fr) and Dr. Emmanuelle Bouzigon (emmanuelle.bouzigon@inserm.fr).
More information on the Institut Pasteur and the Statistical Genetics unit can be found here http://www.pasteur.fr/en and here https://research.pasteur.fr/en/team/statistical-genetics/.
Applications may start in September/October 2024 and answers to candidates should be expected after the October 15th.