Clearing the Path to Vision: Targeting Retinal Clearance Mechanisms in Macular Degeneration
The Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia (UEA) is inviting applications for a fully funded, 3-year PhD Studentship titled “Clearing the Path to Vision: Targeting Retinal Clearance Mechanisms in Macular Degeneration.” Led by primary supervisor Dr. Linda Troeberg alongside co-supervisors, this multidisciplinary translational research project investigates innovative approaches to prevent vision loss in both genetic (Sorsby’s fundus dystrophy) and age-related forms of macular degeneration.
The project explores how healthy retinal cells clear harmful proteins to aid in developing novel drug and gene therapy approaches that boost the eye’s natural waste disposal mechanisms. It also examines how lifestyle factors, inflammation, and dietary supplements influence disease progression.
Key Highlights & Opportunities: • Four-week industry placement with Ikarovec, a biotechnology company developing innovative therapeutics for age-related macular degeneration, offering first-hand experience in translating fundamental discoveries into clinical therapies. • Comprehensive, hands-on scientific training in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, flow cytometry, advanced microscopy, and quantitative image analysis. • Professional skills development in experimental design, scientific writing, data analysis, public engagement, and undergraduate student supervision. • Integration into the postgraduate research community at UEA, with access to extensive training through Norwich Medical School and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Graduate School. • Opportunities to present findings at national and international academic conferences and publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
The project is funded by the Macular Society and has a start date of February 1, 2027.]
[Eligibility Criteria: • Open to UK Home applicants only. • Applicants must hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second-Class (2:1) Honours degree (or equivalent) in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline.]
[Required expertise/skills: • Strong foundation and practical interest in cell biology, molecular medicine, protein biochemistry, and translational research. • Scientific curiosity, resilience, and motivation to conduct rigorous laboratory-based biomedical research. • Capability to acquire skills in mammalian cell culture, microscopy, flow cytometry, and quantitative image analysis. • Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills suited for interdisciplinary research teams and biotechnology industry collaborations.]
[Salary details: Full Home tuition fees provided, plus a tax-free maintenance stipend starting at £21,805 in the first year, alongside £1,000 per annum to support research training.]
[Application Deadline: October 15, 2026]