Offer Description
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:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1527018/full
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00018-021-03796-9
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31350409/
https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms11491
Where to apply
E-mail: ellen.kilger@uni-tuebingen.de
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Neurosciences » Neurobiology
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Medical sciences » Health sciences
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- 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
Specific Requirements
- 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
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