One (1) PhD candidate position in PANDORA project-Doctoral network on discovering pathomechanisms and novel drug optimization for AMD

About this position

Discovering pathomechanisms and novel drug optimization for AMD (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 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.

• 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.

• investigate the role of complement system protein cascades and metabolic dysfunctions (e.g. autophagy/mitophagy) in AMD and other diseases with ocular manifestations.

• 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.

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.