Postdoctoral Position in Biomedice

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Postdoctoral Position in Biomedice

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Job description

UCH-CEU welcomes early stage postdoctoral researchers with an excellent track record, to apply to the European Commission Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA-25) or any other R2 reseach calls, such as: Juan de la Cierva (Spanish Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation).Selected candidates will be provided with special assistance for proposal writing and development.Hosting Research GroupThe research group ” “, is focused on degenerative diseases, especially those affecting the visual system. These represent a huge problem for Spanish society, a problem that will become even more important with the aging of the population. Visual loss represnts a significant reduction in quality of life. Therefore, new treatments for this type of diseases are urgently needed. Our research aims to investigate in obtaining possible new therapies while helping to define the molecular mechanisms involved in two processes: retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy. The research group try to find new neuroprotective substances to help prolong the life of photoreceptors, ganglion cells and other cell types of the visual system.The PI of the research group, Maria Miranda, has authored more than 50 articles. Her contributions have been recognized in both national and international congresses. She has also been involved in national projects, regional funding and support from the University over the last decade. Moreover, she has received funding from Mutua Madrileña, Generalitat Valenciana and signed two collaboration agreements with the company Sylentis S.A. Her H-index stands at 25 and her work has been cited more than 1000 times.Hosting SupervisorThe PI Maria Miranda (ORCID ID 0000-0002-3738-367X)Publications and projects

• Akkaya PN, Miranda M, Almansa I, et al. PARP inhibition preserves cone photoreceptors in rd2 retina. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2025;13(1):68.
• Cantó A, Martínez-González J, Almansa I, López-Pedrajas R, Hernández-Rabaza V, Olivar T, Miranda M. Time-Course Changes in Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Retinas of rds Mice: A Retinitis Pigmentosa Model. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Sep 29;11(10):1950.
• Canto A, Martínez-González J, Miranda M, Olivar T, Almansa I, Hernández-Rabaza V. Sulforaphane Modulates the Inflammation and Delays Neurodegeneration on a Retinitis Pigmentosa Mice Model. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Mar 1;13:811257.
• Benlloch-Navarro S, Trachsel-Moncho L, Fernández-Carbonell Á, Olivar T, Soria JM, Almansa I, Miranda M. Progesterone anti-inflammatory properties in hereditary retinal degeneration. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2019 May;189:291-301.
• Sahaboglu A, Miranda M, Canjuga D, Avci-Adali M, Savytska N, Secer E, Feria-Pliego JA, Kayık G, Durdagi S. Drug repurposing studies of PARP inhibitors as a new therapy for inherited retinal degeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2020 Jun;77(11):2199-2216.

Research Project DescriptionGonadal steroid hormones are essential for reproductive functions and various non-reproductive processes. Recently, interest has grown in neurosteroids synthesized in the central nervous system, including the retina, due to evidence linking them to retinal diseases. While several studies support their involvement, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This project aims to investigate the concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone-along with their precursors and intermediates-in the retina of healthy animals and models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a group of inherited degenerative retinal diseases characterized by the progressive loss of photoreceptors leading to blindness. The study will also examine how the neurosteroid profile varies by sex and age throughout disease progression.Additionally, the project explores the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are gaining therapeutic interest due to their ability to carry diverse molecular cargo, low immunogenicity, and capacity to cross biological barriers. Since EVs reflect the physiological and metabolic state of their source cells, the second objective is to determine whether neurosteroid-induced changes in retinal EVs can help reduce photoreceptor death and slow vision loss in RP models.To this end, three modulators of neurosteroid synthesis-progesterone, dutasteride, and letrozole-will be used to assess the specific effects of neurosteroid-modified EVs on disease progression. EVs will be isolated from retinal explants under both baseline and hormonally modulated conditions, then intravitreally injected into the eyes of rds mice, a widely used RP model. The study will assess whether this treatment can prevent photoreceptor degeneration and improve visual function.Candidate requirementsDynamic Postdoctoral candidates of any nationality (max. 8 years after defense) with PhD in health sciences or related fields. Experience in retinal research and neurosteroids is highly valued. Strong skills in experimental design and lab techniques (e.g., western blot, PCR, cell culture). Ability to work independently and in collaborative environments.An expression of interest shall be sent to (Attn: Maria Miranda). Your file should contain a short CV (Max. 2 pages) and two letters of reference.For MSCA-PF 25 call, at the deadline for the submission of proposals (10/09/2025) candidates shall have a maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience and must not have resided or carried out their main activities in Spain or more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the abovementioned deadline.Those files received before 15th of June will be considered for MSCA-PF 2025. Applications received after this date, will be considered for other calls after discussion with the candidate.Keywords: Retina, Degeneration, Hormones, Oxidative stress, Vesicles.Share this page

Expected salary

Location

Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia

Job date

Fri, 02 May 2025 02:22:49 GMT

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