Majlinda Lako

Newcastle University is offering a fully funded PhD position within the MSCA Innovative Training Network Pandora on Decoding Chromosome 1 Risk in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) Using Stem Cell–Derived Retinal Models . The project is based at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom and is hosted in a highly collaborative, international training environment focused on retinal disease mechanisms, translational biology, and advanced stem cell technologies. The doctoral candidate will investigate how AMD risk variants on chromosome 1, including the CFH Y402H polymorphism, contribute to cell-intrinsic defects in photoreceptors and to pathological crosstalk with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroidal cells. A key aim is to determine whether these genetic risk factors drive degeneration through oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal/autophagy defects, inflammatory signalling, complement activation, and altered cell survival. The work will use patient- and control-derived iPSCs , differentiation into retinal organoids enriched for photoreceptors , and co-culture/perfusion systems to model outer retinal interactions in health and disease. The project includes molecular, cellular, and ultrastructural phenotyping, alongside validation in human donor tissue through collaboration with the HEETR eye bank. Students will also build RPE–photoreceptor–choroid co-culture systems to study nutrient and waste exchange, complement deposition, and stress propagation across the retinal interface. Training will cover stem-cell differentiation, retinal organoid engineering, vascular biology, imaging and omics approaches, CRISPR/iPSC gene editing, single-cell transcriptomics, microfluidics, proteomics, and translational analysis in human tissue. This is a fully funded PhD with a gross salary of about £42,000 per year , plus family support and mobility allowance. The role is part of a transnational MSCA programme and therefore includes secondments across academia, clinics, and industry, as well as career development in scientific communication, project management, IP/translation, and outreach. Eligibility highlights include an MSc or equivalent in biomedical sciences, stem-cell biology, ophthalmic research, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field. Candidates should have experience or strong interest in cell culture and molecular biology, and ideally iPSC/organoid or endothelial/vascular models. Familiarity with AMD biology, complement/immune pathways, or retinal imaging is beneficial but not essential. MSCA mobility rules apply, including the requirement not to have spent more than 12 months in the UK during the 36 months prior to recruitment, and applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree. Application deadline: 30 October 2026, 15:00 (Europe/London). To apply, email your CV, a one-page cover letter, and the contact details of one or two academic referees to Prof. Majlinda Lako.