PhD Position in Pathomechanisms and Drug Optimization for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

This PhD position is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network PANDORA, focusing on discovering and optimizing therapeutic approaches for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The successful candidate will investigate combination therapies—including complement inhibition, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and mitochondrial modulators—in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived AMD models. The project aims to provide proof-of-principle evidence that dual therapy may be more effective than mono-therapies. The PhD student will conduct cutting-edge research using stem cell-derived retinal models, molecular biology, biochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques. Training and collaboration opportunities include secondments to partner labs across Europe, offering exposure to gene therapy, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and disease modeling. The position is based at the Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany.

• Develop and test combination therapies for AMD using iPSC-derived retinal models to assess efficacy and safety.
• Conduct advanced molecular biology and biochemistry experiments, including qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analysis.
• Perform in vitro assays and metabolic measurements to evaluate cellular responses to therapeutic interventions.
• Collaborate with European partners through secondments to expand expertise in gene therapy, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and imaging.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research at international conferences.
• Contribute to the design of diagnostic paradigms and therapeutic approaches for AMD based on experimental results.