PhD candidate 'AMD models from induced pluripotent stem cells'

We are excited to announce a vacancy for a PhD candidate to join our cutting-edge research program on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Will you join our ambitious team?

AMD primarily affects the central retina (macula), resulting in the progressive loss of central vision, significantly impacting the quality of life of millions of people, particularly the elderly. Despite advancements, the underlying mechanisms of AMD remain incompletely understood, and there is an urgent need for more effective treatments. This research will focus on addressing these critical challenges, helping to pioneer innovative solutions for vision preservation and restoration.

This position focuses on developing and utilizing organoid models (retina, RPE, choroid) derived from stem cells to better understand the complex interactions and mechanisms underlying AMD pathophysiology. By mimicking the back of the eye using 3D models, the research aims to replicate disease-specific features such as lipofuscin accumulation, drusen formation, vascular dysfunction, and the role of the complement system that characterize AMD.

The project will utilize multi-omics approaches (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics) to unravel AMD-related molecular pathways, including complement activation, while incorporating machine learning for multimodal data analysis to enable the discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. As a PhD candidate you will also leverage advanced imaging techniques to explore AMD-specific cellular and tissue-level changes.

This multidisciplinary project falls under Lifelong VISION, a Gravitation project funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (2024- 2033), will develop new treatments against blindness. The Lifelong VISION program is developing a new generation of treatment strategies to prevent blindness: genetic therapies, treatments that target the disease mechanism, and cell therapies.

State of the art cell and animal models will be developed to test these new therapies in vitro and in vivo. The suitability of each patient group, and the optimal timing for therapeutic intervention is predicted using artificial intelligence, so that the right patient receives the right treatment at the right time.The innovative technologies and strategies developed for eye diseases within our project may serve as blueprints for other diseases and organs.

Ten research institutions across the Netherlands participate in the Lifelong Vision project. The project is led by Prof. Dr. Caroline Klaver from Radboudumc; other institutions include Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC, University of Twente, Hubrecht Institute, Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University, Tilburg University, and Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Plan and perform scientific experiments in an independent manner.
• Critically analyze data.
• Report results.
• Take a leading role in writing manuscripts.
• Present data at local, national and international scientific meetings.
• Supervise MSc and/or BSc students.
• Active participation in group discussions.

You have completed a MSc degree in Molecular Life Sciences or a related field. You have a solid theoretical background in molecular and cell biology, as well as hands-on experience with standard molecular techniques such as PCR, cloning, RT-PCR, western blotting, cell culture and stem cell technology, as well as statistical knowledge. Experience with programming, materials, tissue engineering or electrophysyology will be a strong plus.

You have a strong ambition to succeed in science, be result-oriented, and have strong communication skills (both orally and in writing) and a high English level to ensure efficient interaction within a multidisciplinary team. You possess a critical scientific attitude and are be able to work both independently as well as in a team. Moreover you have good organization skills.

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€ 3.017 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3.824 based on a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week.

As a PhD candidate you will be affiliated at the Department of Ophthalmology and perform experiments at the Department of Human Genetics. You will be supervised by Dr. Zohreh Hosseinzadeh, Dr. Alex Garanto and Prof. Caroline Klaver.

The Department of Ophthalmology of the Radboud University Medical Center is a global leader in the field of multifactorial and genetic retinal eye diseases. The research of the department is focused on retinal forms of blindness that affect large numbers of patients worldwide, especially inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs), such as retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Our aim is to develop personalized treatment and prevention options using metabolomics, natural history studies and genetic profiles combined with imaging parameters, and artificial intelligence.

The Department of Human Genetics is divided in multiple division all well known worldwide. The patient care (division clinical genetics) and genetic diagnostics (division genome diagnostics) performed within our department is hosted by an official and acclaimed Centre for Clinical Genetics. The division genome research performs groundbreaking research into the relationship between genes and diseases, as well as therapy development, notably concerning blindness and deafness, cancer, congenital anomalies, and mental handicaps. To identify and functionally characterize novel disease genes, we utilize a combination of biochemistry, genomics technologies, molecular biology, cell biology, and developmental systems such as iPSC model systems, Drosophila melanogaster, zebrafish and mouse.

Together the two departments are conducting research activities that include genome-wide associations studies, development of eye-on-a-chip and patient-specific stem cell-derived retinal in vitro models, complement assays, and antisense oligonucleotide and CRISPR-cas9 technology.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare.

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then email to Zohreh Hosseinzadeh, Group leader. Use the Apply button to submit your application.

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then email to Zohreh Hosseinzadeh, Group leader. Use the Apply button to submit your application.