PhD position in EU Doctoral Network „PANDORA pathomechanisms and novel drug optimization AMD; DC

Organisation/Company Institute for Ophthalmic Research Department Ophthalmology Research Field Medical sciences » Health sciences Biological sciences » Biology Neurosciences » Neurobiology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 15 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38,5 Offer Starting Date 1 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

Defining the multiomics profile of complement-mediated AMD models

The PhD position is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network PANDORA on discovering Pathomechanisms and Novel Drug Optimization for AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration).

The generation of omic profiles of disease models is a valuable tool to identify pathological mechanisms and disease biomarkers. The PhD student will create transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of different retinal cells that are involved in AMD, carrying specific genetic variants of the complement system, either at baseline or after exposure to dynamic changes mimicking the life-long modifications occurring in AMD in real life, including exposure to complement system overactivation, excessive oxidative stress or drug treatment.

The position will provide state-of-the art training in vision research using advanced induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models, biochemical and molecular methodologies, transcriptomics, proteomics and data analysis with bioinformatics tools to integrate findings into disease models.

We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious PhD student, ideally with strong background in bioinformatics. The candidate will investigate omics profiles of AMD disease models. AMD is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly population and its pathological mechanisms are complex and not fully understood. The project aims to dissect AMD profiles depending on genetic variants, stressors and drug response.

The results will help to design diagnostic paradigms and therapeutic approaches. The PhD candidate will benefit from a network of European experts in different fields (gene therapy, pharmacology, bioinformatics, disease modeling, imaging) and will have the possibility to visit other labs in secondments (lab exchanges).

The doctoral candidate will utilize cutting-edge techniques:

• Omics (proteomics and transcriptomics)
• Cell and tissue culture (stem cell – derived retinal models)
• Molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (qPCR, immunohistochemistry, western blot)
• Cell analyses (in vitro assays, metabolism measurements)

Recent open access research publications related to this position:

• A Master’s degree in life sciences (biology, neurobiology, bioinformatics or closely related fields)
• Good background in statistics, bioinformatics and/or omic analyses
• Excellence in oral and written English, with good presentation skills
• High motivation with interest in retinal degeneration and disease mechanisms
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology, eye biology and/or neuroscience
• Strong interest in the analysis of multi-omics data, and translational biomedical research

• Hands on knowledge in cell culture, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques
• Background in complement system biology is a plus

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Medical sciences » Health sciences

The EU provides 36 months support for each recruited researcher. We offer a highly competitive salary, with a gross salary…