PhD student molecular mechanisms Mendelian myopia

Job description

Interested in uncovering the molecular mechanisms of inherited myopia in an international PhD project between Rotterdam and Paris? 

In this PhD project, you will conduct experimental research using innovative mouse models at the Institut de la Vision in Paris, in close collaboration with Erasmus MC in Rotterdam.

You will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying Mendelian forms of myopia and explore potential treatment strategies for inherited eye diseases, including retinal and connective tissue disorders. Your work will combine experimental laboratory research with data analysis, using advanced techniques such as transcriptomics and functional phenotyping.

You will be formally employed by the Departments of Clinical Genetics and Ophthalmology at Erasmus MC (20%), while conducting the majority of your research at the Institut de la Vision in Paris (80%). You will collect and analyse experimental data and translate your findings into scientific publications and a PhD thesis.

Working at the interface of basic and translational research, you will contribute to improving our understanding and potential treatment of inherited myopia.

Work environment

This PhD project is a collaboration between Erasmus MC in Rotterdam and the Institut de la Vision in Paris, two internationally leading centres for research in ophthalmology and genetics. 

At Erasmus MC, extensive research has been conducted for many years on the genetics and clinical consequences of myopia. The Institut de la Vision is internationally reognised for its work on inherited eye diseases and has unique expertise in experimental mouse models and functional analyses of visual disorders. 

You will join an enthusiastic, multidisciplinary and international team of PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, technicians and senior scientists in both Rotterdam and Paris. The teams collaborate closely through joint meetings, lab discussions and research visits. The working atmosphere is open and supportive, with a strong focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

Qualifications and skills

You recognize yourself in the following profile:

• You hold a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• You have a strong interest in ophthalmology, genetics and translational biomedical research.
• You have experience with mouse models or other laboratory animal models, including the management and handling of mouse strains.
• You hold, or are willing to obtain, certification in animal experimentation at the experimenter level (EU Category B – personne réalisant, comparable to Article 9 certification in the Netherlands), preferably with experience in advanced mouse models used in genetic or ophthalmic research.
• You enjoy hands-on laboratory research, data analysis and scientific writing.
• You are willing to spend an extended period in Paris as part of this project and work in an international research environment.
• You communicate clearly in English; knowledge of Dutch and/or French is an advantage.

For this position, providing a Certificate of Good Conduct is required.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

We offer a unique PhD position within an international research collaboration between Erasmus MC in Rotterdam and the Institut de la Vision in Paris, providing an excellent environment for scientific training and career development. You will be supervised by an experienced and interdisciplinary team of experts in inherited eye diseases and clinical genetics.

• A temporary PhD position for 3.5 years (36 hours per week).
• Employment at Erasmus MC, with the majority of the research (approximately 80%) conducted at the Institut de la Vision in Paris.
• A gross monthly salary between €3.108,- and €3.939,- (scale OIO, CAO Universitair Medische Centra) depending on experience and year of appointment.
• A salary increase of 3,5% from July 2026, according to the collective labor agreement (cao).
• Excellent secondary employment conditions, including a 13th month, holiday allowance and a pension scheme with ABP, with Erasmus MC contributing approximately two-thirds of the premium.
• The opportunity to follow courses from the MSc in Genetic Epidemiology or Clinical Epidemiology at the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences (NIHES) as part of your PhD training.

More information

Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button. It all starts with taking action. 

Do you have questions about the role? Feel free to reach out to Dr. Virginie J.M. Verhoeven, klinisch geneticus en Principal Investigator, via 06 296 335 74 or v.verhoeven@erasmusmc.nl.

No agencies please.