PhD candidate 'Electrophysiology of Retina'

at  Radboudumc

3 years We have a vacant position for a PhD student - Electrophysiology of Retina. Join a PhD program in retinal development and immerse yourself in cutting-edge research to unlock the secrets of the human retina organoids from stem cells. With state-of-the-art techniques, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact by developing innovative solutions for ocular diseases. Advance your career and change the future of eye care: This program offers you a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of scientific discovery. Apply now and take your passion and creativity to the next level!
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. Our ongoing research activities 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.

Taks and responsibilities

• Design and lead experiments to record electroretinographic signals with MEA and patch clamp or/and calcium imaging signals from retinal organoids and mouse retina.
• Perform analysis of recorded data.
• Collaborate with other team members to generate functional organoids for retinal research.
• Interpret data and communicate results effectively to the team and stakeholders.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

We offer a friendly, stimulating, international and multidisciplinary environment. Nijmegen has beautiful nature, perfect for hiking, biking, and swimming. 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.
• 172 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. (As of 1 January 2025, you will receive 176 vacation hours).

The department of Ophthalmology has approximately 120 employees, holds 8 ophthalmic subspecialties, each at an academic level. Our main focus of interest lies with the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases which accounts for over half of the patient care provided by the department. Our department is internationally renowned for its expertise on retinal disease. Examples are inherited retinal diseases, age-related macular degeneration, diabetes mellites and vitreoretinal surgery.
Our scientific research lines match the clinical focus and is directed at retinal disorders. We have an enthusiastic team of researchers who collaborate collaborating in several research lines. Our team includes 2 senior PI’s, 2 junior levels PI’s, one research fellow, 7 PhD students and 2 research technicians.
The department has a large clinical trial center that currently houses over 35 trials. The department’s research and clinical trials often target innovative treatment methods, such as gene therapy and RNA therapy.

• Design and lead experiments to record electroretinographic signals with MEA and patch clamp or/and calcium imaging signals from retinal organoids and mouse retina.
• Perform analysis of recorded data.
• Collaborate with other team members to generate functional organoids for retinal research.
• Interpret data and communicate results effectively to the team and stakeholders.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals