PhD Position in EU Doctoral Network PANDORA on AMD Pathomechanisms
Investigate Factor H-related proteins and endothelial cell homeostasis to advance age-related macular degeneration therapies.
Best for:Best for highly motivated life science graduates with a strong background in biochemistry, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques.
Overview
The University Hospital Tübingen is offering a PhD position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network "PANDORA," focused on discovering pathomechanisms and novel drug optimization for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The successful candidate will examine the accumulation of Factor H-related proteins (FHRs) on extracellular matrix stability and choroidal endothelial cell homeostasis within the outer blood-retinal barrier. The research involves generating recombinant FHR proteins, optimizing cellular barrier models, and analyzing gene transcription, protein expression, and functional readouts. The doctoral researcher will benefit from an extensive European network of experts and participate in international laboratory secondments.
What you'll do
- Elucidate the pathological effects of Factor H-related (FHR) protein accumulation in the outer blood-retinal barrier.
- Generate and characterize a library of in-house recombinant FHR proteins.
- Optimize in-house cellular models representing the outer blood-retinal barrier using human primary and stem cell-derived retinal models.
- Expose cellular models to varying FHR concentrations to study gene transcription, protein expression, cell morphology, and extracellular matrix composition.
- Perform molecular biology and biochemistry assays including qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting.
- Participate in international laboratory secondments and engage with a multidisciplinary network of European experts.
Requirements
Degree required: Master Degree or equivalent in life sciences or related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent proficiency required
Instruction: English
- Strong background in cell culture and tissue handling
- Demonstrated proficiency in core biochemistry and molecular biology techniques
- Experience with in vitro assays and cell analyses
- Strong motivation and intellectual curiosity for biomedical research
- Applicants must meet MSCA mobility rules and First Stage Researcher (R1) criteria.
- Must hold a Master's degree or equivalent prior to commencement.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15 (Europe/Berlin)
Interested candidates should submit their application materials directly via email to the designated contact address with the specified subject line before the application deadline.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Master Degree transcripts
Contact
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