Eye & Nutrition group - PhD position

The Eye & Nutrition group -  Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation  (Dijon, France) and Laboratoires Théa (Clermont-Ferrand, France) invite applications for a PhD Studentship

Acronym: AgiMire

Summary : The retina is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids (FAs), which play a crucial role in visual function and protect against the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, current nutritional strategies designed to increase retinal omega-3 FA levels are suboptimal, particularly in terms of long-term sustainability and efficiency of delivery to the retina. This project proposes an innovative approach: enhancing retinal omega-3 FA levels by modulating the gut microbiota. Our team has demonstrated, through two independent studies in mice, that microbiota-targeted interventions can enrich the retina in omega-3 FAs. The main objective of the PhD project is to validate in vivo that these microbiota-based strategies can prevent the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AMD. This will be assessed using preclinical models that replicate the two advanced forms of the disease (atrophic and neovascular). The outcomes of this project will represent a significant step towards the development of innovative, preventive, and sustainable strategies for AMD patients.

The PhD candidate will be jointly supervised by the Eye & Nutrition research team (Dijon, France) and Laboratoires Théa (Clermont-Ferrand, France). The candidate will be based primarily in Dijon, with occasional visits to Clermont-Ferrand.

Candidate profile :

• Master’s degree (M2) in a relevant discipline
  
• Strong background and technical expertise in microbiology and/or animal experimentation
• Additional knowledge in retinal physiology and/or imaging would be an advantage

Starting date: as soon as possible

Contact: marie-agnes.bringer@inrae.fr