PhD Position in EU Doctoral Network PANDORA

Sorbonne Université and the Institut de la Vision in Paris are offering a fully funded PhD position within the MSCA Doctoral Network PANDORA. The research project focuses on evaluating how complement dysregulation influences mononuclear phagocyte accumulation in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The candidate will map retinal complement components using multiplexed immunohistochemistry, examine disease-linked genetic variants using iPSC-derived cell co-cultures, and apply transcriptomics and proteomics to analyze inflammatory pathways. The successful applicant will work in close collaboration with international doctoral candidates across the PANDORA network and receive specialized interdisciplinary training.

• Map the localization of complement cascade components, activation products, and regulators in human post-mortem retinal sections using multiplexed immunohistochemistry.
• Investigate the cellular interactions between retinal pigment epithelium and immune cells using control and risk-variant iPSC-derived co-culture models.
• Analyze the functional role of plasma-derived Factor H-related proteins using depleted human plasma and purified complement factors.
• Perform single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing as well as proteomics to characterize microglial and macrophage polarization and inflammatory pathways.
• Test the efficacy of complement inhibitors such as anti-C5 and anti-C3 in restoring immune balance within the subretinal microenvironment.