MSCA DOCTORAL RESEARCHER /DOCTORAL CANDIDATE IN CORNEAL STEM CELL RESEARCH

Offer Description Join STEM-CORE and become one of the 14 doctoral candidates in nine European countries. STEM-CORE, supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, aims to explore strategies to develop stem cell therapies and biomaterials, laying the groundwork for future cures to restore eyesight. As one of the doctoral candidates in STEM-CORE, you will receive comprehensive training to become a leading expert in regenerative medicine of the eye through interdisciplinary, inter‑sectoral and international research. You will also develop valuable transferable and soft skills such as management, leadership and communication, positioning you for enhanced career opportunities and empowering you to make a meaningful impact on society. Project: Investigate and improve hiLSC differentiation and test the ability of new scaffolds to support the growth of primary corneal epithelial stem cells and limbal stem cells differentiated from hiPSCs. The MSCA Doctoral Candidate will learn how to culture primary human limbal stem cells on newly developed scaffolds and compare methods for differentiation and characterization with cultures of corneal limbal stem cells originated from human pluripotent stem cells. The candidate will collaborate with other doctoral candidates in STEM-CORE through joint projects, secondments and network training activities. Place of employment: The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy – 36 months Expected starting date: latest on September 1st, 2026. Duration of the work contract: 36 months/full‑time contract PhD degree: PhD degree from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain) Planned secondments:

Tampere University, Finland (2 months): acquire competences in differentiation of limbal stem cells from induced pluripotent stem cells; Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB‑CSIC), Barcelona, Spain (1 month): acquire competences on biosynthetic scaffold engineering; Radboud University, Netherlands (1 month): acquire competences on molecular and cell biology assays to evaluate the quality of differentiated limbal stem cells.

Requirements We are looking for a talented, creative and highly motivated researcher. Candidates can be of any nationality. The candidate must therefore comply with the employers' requirements in Italy. In addition:

You hold a Master's degree in cell biology, molecular biology or related field or you expect to obtain your Master’s degree before June 1st 2026. You have experience in the following areas: background in cell & molecular biology and hands‑on expertise with mammalian cell cultures, molecular biology and immunofluorescence methods related to cell characterization. Experience in ocular stem cell culturing and ophthalmic research is a plus. You bring curiosity and enthusiasm, enjoy thinking critically, communicate openly, and take initiative. You can work in a team as well as independently, and you are willing to undertake research internships in various European countries. Proficiency in written/spoken English is mandatory and we may ask for a language certificate.

Doctoral candidate must be eligible to be enrolled into the Doctoral Program at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain) and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. MSCA Mobility Rule At the time of recruitment by the host organization, the researcher must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of his/her employer (Venice, Italy) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered. How to apply The applicants must submit the following information as a SINGLE PDF DOCUMENT IDENTIFIED WITH THEIR FAMILY NAME via e‑mail to stefano.ferrari@fbov.it :

Copies of the master's degree certificates; Curriculum Vitae/CV including a list of publications (if any) and description of your contributions in the publication; References: Contact details of 2 or more referees included in the CV; Motivation letter: maximum 1 page where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications; you may include also your previous research fields and main research results. Please emphasize your motivation to join our group as well as future goals career‑wise.

Application period starts: 2nd March 2026; Application period ends: 30th April 2026. Selection process The application will be screened for eligibility. Candidates will be selected on the basis of academic ability, relevant experience, scientific motivation, potential and communicative skills. Interviews will be held in three rounds: first‑round online, second‑round in person (when possible) and final evaluation by the prospective supervisor with input from co‑supervisors and colleagues. Gender and diversity aspects are respected; discrimination on the basis of gender, race, age, nationality or ethnic/social origin is not tolerated. Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1Company/Institute: Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del VenetoCountry: ItalyState/Province: Venice CityPostal Code: 30174Street: Via Paccagnella 11 #J-18808-Ljbffr