PhD Position: Decoding Chromosome Risk in AMD Using Stem Cell–Derived Retinal Models

Organisation/Company Newcastle University Department Biosciences institute Research Field Neurosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 30 Oct 2026 - 15:00 (Europe/London) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38.5 Offer Starting Date 8 Feb 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number  Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Fully Funded PhD Position:
Decoding Chromosome 1 Risk in AMD Using Stem Cell–Derived Retinal Models

Host: Newcastle University (UNEW), UK
Consortium: MSCA Innovative Training Network Pandora
Start date: 1.02.2027 |
Final date to receive applications:30th October 2027 |
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Are you passionate about tackling age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at the cellular and molecular level? Join the Pandora MSCA ITN consortium to investigate how Chromosome 1 (Chr1) AMD risk variants
—including the complement factor H CFH Y402H polymorphism—drive intrinsic defects and cell death in photoreceptors
, and how these cells crosstalk with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in health and disease.

The Challenge

AMD risk factors disrupt the delicate choroid/Bruch’s membrane/RPE/retinal interface, leading to progressive dysfunction and loss of choroidal endothelial cells, RPEs cells,and Photoreceptors in advanced disease. While Chr1 risk is known to impair RPE (e.g., mitochondrial, and lysosomal damage in iPSC-RPE carrying CFH Y402H), it may also cause direct, cell‑intrinsic pathology in Photoreceptors, potentially accelerating degeneration independently of RPE.

This project will test that hypothesis and map the cell‑type‑specific pathomechanisms and intercellular crosstalk that underlie retinal vulnerability in AMD.

Your Project

As DC1 (Doctoral Candidate
1) within Pandora, you will:

• Differentiate iPSCs from controls and AMD patients carrying Chr1 risk variants (including CFH Y402H) into Retinal organoids enriched for photoreceptors.
• Profile disease‑relevant phenotypes using molecular, cellular, and ultra structural assays to assess:
  • Oxidative stress and mitochondrial function
  • Lysosomal/autophagy flux and waste disposal
  • Inflammatory signalling and complement activation
  • Cell survival, death pathways, and barrier integrity
• Validate findings in human tissue via collaboration with the HEETR eye bank (P1‑UT), accessing AMD donor eyes for histological and molecular correlation.
• Model multicellular crosstalk by building RPE–Photoreceptor‑choroid co‑culture systems in perfusion platforms, enabling dynamic studies of nutrient/waste exchange, complement deposition, and stress propagation across the outer retina.

What You will Gain

• World‑class training in stem‑cell differentiation, retinal organoid engineering, vascular biology, and advanced imaging/omics.nei.nih+1
• Transnational mobility and secondments across the Pandora consortium (academia, clinics, and industry).
• Interdisciplinary skillset
  : from CRISPR/iPSC gene editing and single‑cell transcriptomics to microfluidics, proteomics, and translational validation in human tissue.
• Career development
  : scientific communication, project management, IP/translation, and outreach—core components of MSCA ITN training.

Who Should Apply

We seek a highly motivated candidate with:

• An MSc (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, stem‑cell biology, ophthalmic research, neuroscience, bioengineering, or related fields.
• Experience (or strong interest) in cell culture, molecular biology, and ideally iPSC/organoid or endothelial/vascular models.
• A drive to solve clinically meaningful problems and work in a…