PANDORA欧盟博士网络：利用多模态成像定义补体介导的AMD分子生物标志物博士研究员（DC7）

Defining molecular biomarkers of complement-mediated AMD via multimodal imaging. We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious PhD student to work on a project investigating diagnostic therapeutic approaches in AMD disease 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 PhD student will work at the Laboratory for Biophotonics and Molecular Imaging (LBMI), Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), FORTH, using the novel hybrid microscope developed at FORTH for multimodal, multiparametric imaging of molecular biomarkers in different AMD models. The microscope combines optoacoustic (OAM), two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF), second harmonic generation (SHG) and coherent Raman microscopy in one system enabling the label-free detection of several biomarkers simultaneously: choroid thickness, collagen deposits, lipofuscin concentration, complement system protein dysfunction and mitophagy deregulation. The student will develop, optimize and implement the appropriate detection protocols to visualize biomarkers of retinal degeneration at an early stage of disease for 3D models, such as ex vivo porcine retinal cultures and iPSC-derived retinal organoids. The student will also investigate the role of complement system protein cascades and metabolic dysfunctions (e.g. autophagy/mitophagy) in AMD and other diseases with ocular manifestations. Additionally, the student will use the instrument to study therapeutic response to novel drugs by monitoring delivery and biodistribution in animal and non-animal tissue samples. The final step of the project involves a small proof of concept in vivo study to image the retina through the eye. Within PANDORA, therapies under investigation across the network include complement inhibition, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory drugs and mitochondria modulators, with results feeding into new diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms for AMD. The PhD candidate will join a network of European experts spanning gene therapy, pharmacology, bioinformatics, disease modelling and imaging, with opportunities for secondments (lab exchanges) at partner institutions. Key Responsibilities • Develop and optimisation of protocols and detailed guidelines for multimodal imaging procedures in retinal explants and retinal organoids. • Develop and maintain a database of AMD-related biomarkers that can be detected and visualized with multimodality microscopy. • Perform imaging of retinal tissue using the multimodal microscope • Perform quantitative image processing, analysis and interpretation of multimodal datasets. • Correlate imaging biomarkers to multiomics biomarkers, therapeutic delivery and response. • Investigate therapeutic delivery, biodistribution and treatment response using multimodal imaging. • Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, network activities, training events and research secondments.

Requirements / required education level / degree: Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Requirements / required education level / discipline: Biological sciences

Requirements / required education level / degree: Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Requirements / required education level / discipline: Engineering

Requirements / required education level / degree: Master Degree or equivalent

Requirements / required education level / discipline: Neurosciences

Requirements / required education level / degree: Master Degree or equivalent

Requirements / required education level / discipline: Medical sciences

Requirements / skills: Required • Hands-on experience with cell and/or tissue culture techniques. • Experience with microscopy and/or bioimaging techniques, and basic image analysis. • Strong interest in retinal biology, neurobiology and biomedical imaging. • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary, international teams. • Willingness to undergo training/certification for animal handling and in vivo procedures. • Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Desirable : • Background or coursework in complement biology, autophagy/mitophagy, or retinal degeneration. • Experience with iPSC-derived organoid culture or ex vivo tissue models. • Prior exposure to drug delivery/biodistribution studies. • Familiarity with optical/optoacoustic imaging systems (TPEF, SHG, Raman, optoacoustic microscopy). • Experience with quantitative image analysis software (ImageJ/Fiji, Python)

Requirements / required languages / language: ENGLISH

Requirements / required languages / language level: Excellent

Additional information / benefits: A 36 months contract with a highly competitive remuneration package, consisting of: • Living and mobility allowance: A gross monthly salary in the range of €3,440.00 (subject to statutory taxes and employee social security deductions). • Monthly family allowance: A family allowance is available for eligible candidates. Laboratory Overview The Laboratory for Biophotonics and Molecular Imaging (LBMI) develops and applies advanced photonic technologies for imaging biological targets and living systems, from the subcellular to the whole-organism level. Operating at the interface of Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Biology, Medicine and Computer Science, the lab integrates imaging technology development across scales (from microscopy to mesoscopy and macroscopy) with theory, computational modelling, and biomedical application. Through both applied and fundamental research, the lab advances new photonic devices, concepts and theory to deepen understanding of light–tissue interactions and the biological processes underlying health and disease, with applications spanning biomedicine, biotechnology and theranostics.

Additional information / eligibility criteria: The applicant: • Shall not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies etc.) in Greece for more than 12 in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date (unless part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention). • Shall not already be in possession of 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.

Additional information / selection process: Doctoral candidates will be selected on scientific qualification and experience, research interest, additional knowledge/skills and their motivations to participate in an intersectoral research-training program.

Additional information / comment: Please send your CV, a 1-page cover letter, and the contact details of two academic references to mavridimaria@iesl.forth.gr , with zahari@iesl.forth.gr in CC. Please use the following email subject line: “PANDORA Doctoral Candidate Application - [Full Name]”. The use of any AI tool for cover letter drafting should be disclosed.

Work location / nr job positions: 1

Work location / job organisation institute: Foundation for Research and Technology Institute of Laser and Electronic Structure

Work location / job country: Greece

Work location / job city: Heraklion

Work location / job postal code: 71110

Work location / job street: N. Plastira 100

Hiring contact / organisation institute: Foundation for Research and Technology

Hiring contact / organisation institute type: Public Research Institution

Hiring contact / division faculty: Institute of Laser and Electronic Structure

Hiring contact / country: Greece

Hiring contact / city: Heraklion

Hiring contact / state province: Crete

Hiring contact / postal code: 71110

Hiring contact / street: N Plastira 100

Hiring contact / e mail: mavridimaria@iesl.forth.gr

Hiring contact / e mail: zahari@iesl.forth.gr

Hiring contact / website: https://iesl.forth.gr/

Hiring contact / website: https://www.iesl.forth.gr/en/research/biophotonics

Hiring contact / phone: 00302810391482

Application / how to apply: e-mail

Application / application email: mavridimaria@iesl.forth.gr

EU funding / framework programme: Horizon Europe - MSCA

EU funding / cofund nr job position: 1

EU funding / sesam agreement number: 101312030

Research field / main research field: Biological sciences

Research field / sub research field: Biology

Research field / main research field: Neurosciences

Research field / sub research field: Neurobiology

Research field / main research field: Medical sciences

Research field / sub research field: Health sciences

Researcher profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions: PhD Positions

Contract: Temporary

Job status: Full-time

Application deadline (as exported; timezone unverified): 2026-11-15T21:59:59