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๐งฌ PhD Position โ Autophagy & Retinal Degeneration | University of Fribourg
University: University of Fribourg, Switzerland
๐ Location: Fribourg, Switzerland
๐ผ Position Available: Fully Funded PhD Position โ Autophagy and Retinal Degeneration
๐ฌ Research Area: Autophagy | Retinal Biology | Age-Related Macular Degeneration | Neurodegeneration | Stem Cell Biology | iPSC Models | Molecular & Cellular Biology
The University of Fribourg, Switzerland, in the laboratory of Prof. Patricia Boya, is offering a fully funded PhD position within the PANDORA Marie Skลodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network.
The project will investigate the relationship between autophagy and complement dysregulation in models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), using stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and murine retina models. The research will focus particularly on selective autophagy pathways such as mitophagy and lysophagy.
๐ฌ Research Project
Age-Related Macular Degeneration & Retinal Degeneration
The project investigates mechanisms underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction, altered complement activity, and impaired cellular quality-control pathways associated with neurodegenerative disease.
Autophagy & Complement Dysregulation
Study the relationship between autophagy pathways and complement system dysregulation in experimental models of AMD.
iPSC-Based Models
Use induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models and stem cell-derived RPE to investigate disease mechanisms.
Selective Autophagy
Focus on selective autophagy processes including:
- Mitophagy
- Lysophagy
- Cellular quality control
- Autophagy-related disease mechanisms
Molecular & Cellular Research
Apply advanced molecular and cellular biology approaches to investigate mechanisms involved in retinal degeneration.
Imaging & Microscopy
Use advanced imaging and microscopy approaches to characterize cellular and molecular changes associated with disease.
Murine Retina Models
Work with murine models to investigate retinal degeneration and contribute to experiments involving laboratory animals under applicable ethical and regulatory requirements.
Therapeutic Research
Investigate disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets relevant to AMD and retinal degeneration.
๐ฏ Ideal Candidates
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline.
- 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 is not essential.
- Knowledge or experience in molecular biology, microscopy, or related experimental techniques is desirable.
- Willingness to work with murine models and laboratory animals.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Excellent scientific communication skills.
- Excellent proficiency in English.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
โญ Additional Advantage
Previous experience with iPSC culture, differentiation, microscopy, molecular biology, animal experimentation, autophagy, retinal biology, or neurodegeneration research will be beneficial.
๐ What You’ll Gain
- Fully funded PhD research opportunity at the University of Fribourg.
- Training in advanced molecular, cellular, imaging, and stem-cell-based approaches.
- Exposure to iPSC-based research and retinal disease models.
- Experience in studying autophagy, mitophagy, and lysophagy.
- Training involving laboratory animal experimentation in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Opportunities for scientific collaborations and conference participation.
- A tailored career development plan and professional development opportunities.
- Experience within an international and interdisciplinary MSCA Doctoral Network.
- Opportunity to contribute to research addressing mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies for age-related macular degeneration.
๐ฐ Funding & Duration
Funding: Fully Funded PhD
Duration: 3 Years
Extension: Possibility of extending for an additional year
Funding Framework: HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01 โ PANDORA, Project 101312030
Expected Start: January 2027
๐ MSCA Mobility Requirement
Applicants must satisfy the ITN-MSCA mobility rule.
At the time of recruitment, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Switzerland for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment.
๐ผ Position Details
Position: PhD Researcher โ Autophagy and Retinal Degeneration
University: University of Fribourg
Laboratory: Prof. Patricia Boya Laboratory
Location: Fribourg, Switzerland
Department: Neuroscience and Movement Science
Qualification: Master’s degree or equivalent
Duration: 3 Years
Extension: Up to 1 additional year
Expected Start: January 2027
Funding: Fully Funded
Project: PANDORA โ HORIZON-MSCA Doctoral Network
Project ID: 101312030
Research Area: Autophagy | Retinal Biology | AMD | Neurodegeneration | Stem Cell Biology
๐งช Key Technical & Research Skills
The position involves experience or interest in:
- Autophagy
- Mitophagy
- Lysophagy
- Retinal biology
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Neurodegeneration
- Cell biology
- Molecular biology
- Cellular quality-control pathways
- iPSC culture
- Stem cell differentiation
- RPE models
- Cell culture
- Microscopy
- Advanced imaging
- Murine models
- Laboratory animal experimentation
- Complement biology
- Disease mechanism research
- Therapeutic target identification
- Scientific communication
- Interdisciplinary research
๐ How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application by email to:
๐ฉ Email: boyalabfr@gmail.com
Application Documents
Applicants should provide:
- CV
- Motivation Letter
- Details/contact information for 2 academic referees
Application Deadline: 1 November 2026, 17:00 CET
๐ Job Details
University: University of Fribourg
Position: Fully Funded PhD Researcher
Laboratory: Prof. Patricia Boya
Location: Fribourg, Switzerland ๐จ๐ญ
Qualification: Master’s Degree or Equivalent
Duration: 3 Years
Extension: Possible additional 1 year
Start Date: January 2027
Funding: Fully Funded
Project: PANDORA โ MSCA Doctoral Network
Core Research: Autophagy | Retinal Degeneration | AMD | iPSC | RPE
Additional Areas: Mitophagy | Lysophagy | Neurodegeneration | Complement Dysregulation | Stem Cell Biology
Application Mode: Email
Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
Application Email: boyalabfr@gmail.com
Category
PhD Positions | Fully Funded PhD | Autophagy PhD | Retinal Biology Jobs | Neurodegeneration Jobs | Molecular Biology PhD | Biotechnology PhD | Biomedical Sciences PhD | Stem Cell Research | iPSC Research | AMD Research | Neuroscience PhD | Cell Biology Jobs | Switzerland PhD | MSCA PhD | PANDORA Doctoral Network
๐ท๏ธ Tags
#PhD #FullyFundedPhD #PhDPosition #UniversityOfFribourg #Switzerland #Autophagy #RetinalDegeneration #RetinalBiology #AMD #Neurodegeneration #MolecularBiology #CellBiology
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