Workplace: Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, University of Bern Project Title: Organoid-based modelling of human retinal degeneration / regeneration
The Department of Ophthalmology is offering a PhD student position in the field of neuroscience/cell biology. The group's research interest is focused on the pathophysiology of the retina. The newly opened project includes the implementation of human retinal organoids for this field of research. Thereby, two projects are combined in order to utilize the multiple possibilities of this 3D cell culture approach. Firstly, characterization of an involvement of Müller cells (MCs) in retinal degeneration / regeneration using an established human retinal organoid model is planned. This includes visualization of pathophysiological changes (immunohistochemistry) and measurements of functional alterations (3D MEA) and their active correction.
Secondly, retinal organoids will be generated from patient-derived iPSCs to study disease mechanisms in inherited retinal diseases by biochemical and molecular techniques, including RNA expression studies and CRISPR-mediated gene editing.
Requirements
We seek a highly motivated candidate with a master degree in the life sciences and a strong interest in molecular and cell biology. We offer state-of-the–art laboratories as well as a friendly and supportive working environment. The PhD student will be enrolled in the interfaculty Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Bern (www. gcb.unibe.ch).
Application
Entrance: upon Agreement Interested applicants are invited to send their CV and the names and contact information of two referees.
Contact Address Profs. Volker Enzmann & Pascal Escher Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde Inselspital Universität Bern Freiburgstrasse 14 3010 Bern
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
https: // www. augenheilkunde.insel.ch/en/teaching-and-research/research- laboratories
www. unibe.ch