PhD Position: Autophagy and Retinal Degeneration:

University of Fribourg; Schweiz; Vor Ort; EUR 44.000 - 57.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

University of Fribourg seeks a PhD candidate for a fully funded 3-year project on retinal degeneration, focusing on autophagy and complement dysregulation in iPSC-derived RPE and murine retina models. The role requires a Master’s in biomedical sciences and strong interest in neurobiology, with cutting-edge molecular and imaging approaches.

The position offers a collaborative, international research environment and ESF-level training.

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, biotechnology, neuroscience, or related field.
• Strong interest in cell biology, neuronal/glial biology, autophagy, retinal biology, and/or neurodegeneration.
• Experience in cell culture; iPSC culture/differentiation is a plus.
• Experience with molecular biology, microscopy, or related techniques.
• Willingness to work with murine models; prior animal work is a plus.
• Excellent English and analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Kenntnisse

English proficiency

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Ausbildung

Master's degree in biomedical sciences / related field

Tools

Cell culture

iPSC culture & differentiation

Molecular biology techniques

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company University of Fribourg Department Neuroscience and Movement Science Research Field Neurosciences » Neurobiology Biological sciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 1 Nov 2026 - 17:00 (Europe/Zurich) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 42 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Research Project

Impaired proteostasis is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases.Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss and is strongly associated with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction, altered complement activity, and impaired cellular quality-control pathways.

The project will investigate the link between autophagy and complement dysregulation in stem cell-derived RPE and murine retina models of AMD. It will focus on selective autophagy pathways, including mitophagy and lysophagy, in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models

The successful candidate will employ advanced molecular, cellular, and imaging approaches to investigate disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets in retinal degeneration. The findings are expected to have broader implications for neurodegenerative diseases.

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We Offer

• A fully funded PhD position at the University of Fribourg for 3 years,with possibility of extending one more year in the frame of HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01.Project: 101312030, PANDORA.
• Eligibility under the ITN-MSCA mobility rule: applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding their recruitment date.
• An international, collaborative, and stimulating research environment.
• Training in cutting-edge molecular, cellular, imaging, stem cell-based approaches and in laboratory animal experimentation in accordance with applicable Swiss ethical, welfare, and regulatory requirements.
• A tailored career development plan with opportunities for scientific collaborations, conference participation, and professional development.
• The opportunity to contribute to research addressing fundamental mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies in AMD.

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences » Other Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated, collaborative and enthusiastic candidate with:

• A master's degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, biotechnology, neuroscience, or a related discipline.
• A strong interest in cell biology, neuronal and glial biology, autophagy, retinal biology, and/or neurodegeneration.
• Experience in cell culture. Previous experience with iPSC culture and differentiation is an advantage but not essential.
• Experience with molecular biology, microscopy, or related experimental techniques is desirable.
• Willingness to work with murine models and contribute to experiments involving laboratory animals. Previous experience with animal experimentation is an advantage, but not essential.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Excellent proficiency in English.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Biological sciences » OtherNeurosciences » Neurobiology Years of Research Experience None