Description of the proposed project
Acronym : MIDAS (Mitochondrial Inherited Disease Analysis by Spectrometry)
Title : Developing next-generation mass spectrometry-based proteomics for diagnostics and discovery in inherited mitochondrial diseases.
Keywords : Mitochondria disease, Biomarkers, Mass Spectometry-based proteomics, Data-independent acquisition (DIA, targeted MS, Peripheral blood mononuclear cell
Abstract : Mitochondrial diseases (1/5,000 individuals) exhibit high clinical heterogeneity and remain challenging to diagnose and monitor due to the lack of sensitive, non-invasive biomarkers. This project aims to develop advanced proteomics workflows to discover and quantify circulating mitochondrial biomarkers from blood-derived samples of healthy donors, patients, and mouse models. Leveraging cutting-edge, highly sensitive mass spectrometry approaches combined with mitochondrial enrichment strategies, we will enable robust, reproducible, and high-throughput quantification of low-abundance proteins. The workflows will be validated in clinical cohorts and benchmarked across tissues, establishing a solid framework for biomarker discovery. Beyond mitochondrial diseases, this versatile platform will be applicable to broader biomedical contexts, including cancer, immunometabolism, and infectious diseases.
Description of the project :
This PhD project will be co-supervised by Mariette Matondo (main supervisor, expertise in mass spectrometry and proteomics) and Timothy Wai (co-supervisor, expertise in mitochondrial biology). The aim is to identify and quantify biomarkers of mitochondrial diseases from blood samples of healthy donors, patients, and mouse models, to improve diagnosis and monitoring of these disorders.
The student will develop innovative approaches to analyze proteins linked to mitochondrial function, combining advanced proteomics with tailored sample preparation strategies. These methods will be tested and validated using both patient samples and preclinical models.
The student will share time between both teams, gaining access to cutting-edge technologies and benefiting from complementary expertise. This project builds on a long-standing and efficient collaboration between the two groups, ensuring smooth integration of methodological innovation and biological understanding.
Supervisors
Mariette MATONDO
IP Department : CR2T Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques
Unit : Proteomics Core facility -MSBio
Function : Heads of the core facility
Tel. : +33 (0) 1 44 38 93 8
E-mail : mariette.matondo@pasteur.fr
Timothy WAI
IP Department : CR2T Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques
Unit : Mitochondrial Biology Unit
Function : Head of Unit
Tel. : +33144389141
E-mail : timothy.wai@pasteur.fr
Expected profile of the candidate
Experience required : The ideal candidate should hold a Master’s degree in life sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related fields. A strong interest in proteomics, mitochondrial biology, and biomedical research is essential. Experience with mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, or handling clinical and animal samples would be a plus but is not mandatory. The candidate should be motivated, curious, well-organized, and able to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.
Application and links
Application deadline : October 20th, 2025
Contact : phd@pasteur.fr
Informational flyer : https://www.pasteur.fr/sites/default/files/enseignement/ppu_call_2026.pdf
Complete information about the program, eligibility criteria, and application procedure : http://www.pasteur.fr/PPU
