Membres
PhD position : Light mediated rescue of core clock gene deficits in mice (University of Strasbourg, France and Tampere University, Finland)
PhD project call:
We are seeking a motivated candidate to join our research on understanding the role of clock genes in retinal disease.
The eye contains it’s own time-keeping i.e. circadian system that regulates a plethora of physiological processes critical for homeostasis[1]. The timing of this system is coordinated by direct light input and driven on a molecular level by a network of transcriptional and translational feedback loops which are comprised of clock genes such as Per1, Per2, Bmal1 among others [2]. Our work revealed that mutations in these genes lead to the impairment of a crucial physiological process for retinal survival, i.e. the renewal of photoreceptor outer segments[3]. Recently, we found that clock gene disruption leads to a more severe manifestation of retinal degeneration [4]. Thus, the circadian clock plays an important role for eye health and function.
Unpublished data suggests that a double mutation of clock genes Per1 and Per2, together with an absence of time-giving light signals leads to more severe retinal degeneration. The mechanism is unclear, but we speculate that the Per1 and Per2 downstream pathways converge with signaling of the light-sensing pigment melanopsin in the eye. The goal of this project is to elucidate this pathway using mouse models, actigraphy, transcriptomics, electroretinography (ERG), histology and molecular techniques in the lab of Dr. Marie-Paule Felder-Schmittbuhl (University of Strasbourg). High-resolution imaging, laser-capture microdissection and bioinformatics support will be provided in the lab of Assoc. Prof. Soile Nymark, under the supervision of Dr. Nemanja Milicevic (Tampere University, Finland).
Funding: The candidate will receive full support for applying for the Magnus Ehrnrooth foundation to pursue a cotutelle (i.e. joint) PhD between the University of Strasbourg (France) and Tampere University (Finland).
Upon selection, the candidate can expect 2000 € / month for up to 4 years.
Your Profile: To excel in this role, we seek a candidate with:
- A working proficiency in English. Meetings, funding applications and the PhD thesis will be mostly in English
- A background in life sciences, neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field. The MSc should be awarded latest by February 2026.
- Experimental skills in cell culture, experience with animal models, immunostaining.
- Experience with imaging techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy) and bioinformatics (RNA-sequencing) are a plus.
- Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Sigmaplot, GraphPad Prism). Skill in R is a plus.
- A high level of attention to detail, strong documentation habits, and commitment to reproducible science
- Motivation to learn new techniques and engage deeply with the scientific questions
- The ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented lab environment
Application: Please submit (feldermp@unistra.fr; nemanja.milicevic@tuni.fi) your application as a PDF file containing the following:
- Letter of motivation
- CV (including a list of publications)
- Copy of your original academic degree(s)
Application Deadline: August 31st 2025.
References
[1] M-P Felder-Schmittbuhl et al., ChronoPhysiology and Therapy 7, 33 (2017).
[2] KH Cox and JS Takahashi, Advances in experimental medicine and biology 1344, 3 (2021).
[3] N Milićević et al., FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology 35 (7), e21722 (2021).
[4] ST Gegnaw et al., FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology 39 (7), e70507 (2025).