MSCA Doctoral Researcher: Biomarkers in Aniridia-Associated Keratopathy

Department of Experimental Ophthalmology

Organisation/Company Saarland University Department Department of Experimental Ophthalmology Research Field Medical sciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 12 Apr 2026 - 23:00 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 39.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe - MSCA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Are you passionate about stem cell biology, corneal regeneration, and translational eye research? Join the research group of Prof. Nóra Szentmáry at Saarland University as part of the European doctoral network STEM-CORE
, and work with cutting-edge technologies including genome editing, advanced corneal imaging, and translational cell culture models. Become one of fourteen doctoral candidates across nine European countries.

STEM-CORE, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, aims to develop innovative stem cell therapies and biomaterial-based strategies to restore vision. As a doctoral candidate within the network, you will receive structured interdisciplinary, intersect oral, and international training in regenerative ophthalmology. In addition to scientific expertise, you will develop transferable skills in project management, leadership, and scientific communication, preparing you for a career in academia, industry, or clinical research.

The position at Saarland University aims to identify and validate molecular and imaging-based biomarkers in aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK), a progressive corneal disease caused by PAX6 haploinsufficiency. The research integrates next-generation sequencing approaches, including RNA sequencing and micro

RNA profiling, to characterize dysregulated pathways involved in epithelial differentiation, inflammation, and stromal remodeling.

In parallel, advanced corneal imaging techniques such as in vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) are employed to assess microstructural alterations, including subbasal nerve plexus density, keratocyte morphology, inflammatory cell infiltration, and limbal architecture.

By combining transcriptomic data with high-resolution corneal imaging, the project seeks to establish translational biomarkers for disease staging, progression monitoring, and therapeutic targeting in AAK.

You will work closely with clinical and basic science collaborators within the STEM-CORE network and participate in joint research projects, secondments, and international training events. A limited teaching contribution (up to 10%) may be part of the position, with opportunities to develop academic teaching skills.

E-mail no

Research Field Biological sciences » Other Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Specific Requirements

• Master’s degree in life sciences, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, medicine, or a related field (or completion by the starting date).
• Interest in translational and interdisciplinary research.
• Strong analytical thinking skills and scientific curiosity.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an international team.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Compliance with MSCA mobility rules: you must not have resided or carried out your main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment.

Research Field Medical sciences » Other Years of Research Experience None

• Competitive MSCA salary according to European funding regulations.
• International research training within a European doctoral network.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory and imaging facilities.
• Structured doctoral supervision and career development support.
• Participation in international workshops, conferences, and secondments.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Department of Experimental Ophthalmology Country Germany City Homburg/Saar Postal Code 66424 Street Kirrberger Str. 100. Geofield