Job Information
Organisation/Company: Institute for Ophthalmic Research
Department: Ophthalmology
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology; Neurosciences » Neurobiology; Medical sciences » Health sciences
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Application Deadline: 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: 101312030
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
Combination therapy with complement inhibition and RPE function enhancers
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 PhD student will test combinations of therapeutic approaches in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived AMD models. Due to the complexity of AMD pathomechanisms, it is likely that mono-therapy approaches will not be sufficient. The PhD student will perform a pilot study to provide proof-of-principle evidence that dual therapy may be beneficial. The position will provide state-of-the art training in vision research using advanced stem cell-derived and retinal tissue models, biochemical and molecular methodologies and imaging techniques.
We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious PhD student to work on a project investigating therapy approaches in 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 test multiple therapies including complement inhibition, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory drugs and mitochondria modulators. The results will help 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:
- 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:
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1527018/full
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00018-021-03796-9
Where to apply
E-mail: ellen.kilger@uni-tuebingen.de
Requirements
Research Field
- Biological sciences » Biology — Master Degree or equivalent
- Neurosciences » Neurobiology — Master Degree or equivalent
- Medical sciences » Health sciences — Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in life sciences (biology, neurobiology or closely related fields)
- 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
- Hands on knowledge in cell culture, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques
Specific Requirements
- Background in complement system biology is a plus
- Good background in statistics
Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Excellent
Research Field: Medical sciences » Health sciences
Additional Information
Benefits
The EU provides 36 months support for each recruited researcher. We offer a highly competitive salary, with a gross salary in the range of 3.924 € (before taxes and employees' social security deductions).
The Institute for Ophthalmic Research is a vibrant academic environment, hosting 13 research labs and 2 clinical research labs, and a core facility for Medical Proteomics. The institution is renowned as a leading centre for vision research. As an integral part of Tübingen’s biomedical and neuroscience campus, we offer a scientific environment that favors creativity for generating groundbreaking ideas, their transfer into reality and their translation into diagnostics and therapy to help those that suffer from vision impairment. The candidate will have the opportunity to interact with other labs and will get exposure to an array of techniques relevant to disease modeling and therapeutics.
We offer modern, state-of the art laboratories, facilities, and equipment, as well as participation in training activities of the international and intersectorial PANDORA network. We also promote participation in national and international conferences.
Eligibility criteria
- The applicant shall not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date (unless as part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention).
- shall not already be in possession of a doctoral degree (*).
- can be of any nationality.
*researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible
Selection process
Doctoral candidates will be selected based on scientific qualification and experience, research interest, additional knowledge/skills and their motivation to participate in an intersectoral research-training program.
Additional comments
Please send your CV, specifying the title of the position, a 1-page cover letter and the contact details of one or two academic referees to:
Dr. Ellen Kilger ellen.kilger@uni-tuebingen.de
If you have informal enquiries- please contact Dr. Angela Armento angela.armento@uni-tuebingen.de
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Institute for Ophthalmic Research
Country: Germany
City: Tuebingen
Postal Code: 72076
Street: Elfried-Aulhorn-Str. 7
Contact
City: Tübingen
Website: https://www.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/de/das-klinikum/einrichtungen/institute/forschungsinstitut-augenheilkunde; https://www.eye-tuebingen.de/
Street: Elfriede-Aulhorn Str. 7
Postal Code: 72076
E-Mail: ellen.kilger@uni-tuebingen.de; angela.armento@uni-tuebingen.de
Phone: 004970712984947; 004970712984953