Field of study / Research area
721 - Medicine

Level
PhD

Name of the Programme
PhD in Vision Sciences

Website (URL) of the Programme
https://doctorado-ciencias-vision.uva.es

Name of the offer / activity
Retinal neuroprotection and inherited retinal diseases

Brief description of the activities to be carried out
This internship is designed for a PhD student interested in the field of retinal neuroprotection and inherited retinal diseases (IRD). The candidate should be motivated to expand their knowledge of the morphology and physiology of the eye, particularly the retina, and to acquire fundamental laboratory skills necessary for conducting applied biomedical research.
The research line integrates cellular and molecular biology approaches with translational goals in retinal neuroprotection, contributing to the understanding of mechanisms underlying photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium survival and degeneration.
During the internship, the student will have the opportunity to:
Learn and apply cell culture and maintenance techniques in a sterile environment: iPSC-models and neuroretinal organotypic culture
Perform morphological and functional characterization of retinal cells: conventional and immunofluorescence staining, followed by microscopic analysis of retinal differentiation and degeneration; RNA expression studies of specific markers; and phagocytosis assays
Analyze and interpret data using statistical methods
Draw conclusions and discuss findings within the framework of retinal neuroprotection research
This stay offers hands-on experience in advanced cellular models of retinal disease and provides valuable training for students aiming to pursue research careers in ophthalmology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine

Working language(s)
English, Spanish

Host University
University of Valladolid

University Department / Unit
Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada

Duration in months
3

Comments on duration
It is possible to adapt the length of stay to the candidate's needs.

Starting
January 2026

Ending
December 2035

Academic responsible for the offer
Iván Fernández Bueno
ivan.fernandez.bueno@uva.es