Job opportunities: 14 PhD candidates within the STEM-CORE project

Are you passionate about working with stem cells or stem cell-based biomaterials? And eager to explore cutting-edge technologies like genome editing and in vivo imaging? Or are you perhaps fascinated by eye research and do you have an affinity for molecular, cellular and medical science? If so, come and join our STEM-CORE project and become one of the 14 doctoral candidates recruited from 9 European countries.

The STEM-CORE Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme aims to explore strategies for developing stem cell therapies and biomaterials. As one of the doctoral candidates, you will receive comprehensive training to become a leading expert in regenerative medicine of the eye, through interdisciplinary, intersectoral and international research. Additionally, you will develop valuable transferable and soft skills, such as management, leadership and communication.

Current vacancies

András Dinnyés' team (Biotalentum)

2 vacancies within the STEM-CORE project:

• Doctoral Candidate - STEM-CORE Stem Cell Therapy Development for Corneal Epithelium Regeneration (Application deadline: 17 April 2026, 16.00)
• Doctoral Candidate (14) - STEM-CORE Stem Cell Therapy Development for Corneal Epithelium Regeneration (Application deadline: 17 April 2026, 16.00)

Stefano Ferrari's team (Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto ONLUS)

1 vacancy for a doctoral researcher/doctoral candidate within the STEM-CORE project:

• MSCA Doctoral researcher/doctoral candidate in corneal stem cell research (Application deadline: 30 April 2026)

Nora Szentmary's team (Universitat des Saarlandes)

1 vacancy for a doctoral researcher within the STEM-CORE project:

• MSCA Doctoral Researcher: Biomarkers in Aniridia-Associated Keratopathy (Application deadline: 12 April 2026)

Neil Lagali's team (Linköping University)

1 vacancy for a PhD candidate within the STEM-CORE project:

• PhD student in Medical Science (Application deadline: 23 March 2026)

Heli Skottman's team (Tampere University)

1 vacancy for a PhD candidate within the STEM-CORE project:

• MSCA Doctoral Researcher in corneal stem cell / Väitöskirjatutkija (sarveiskalvon kantasolututkimus) (Application deadline: 12 March 2026)

Paul Kouwer's team (Radboud University)

1 vacancy for a PhD candidate within the STEM-CORE project:

• PhD Position: Animal-free matrices for corneal applications (MSCA STEM-CORE) | Radboud University (Application deadline: 8 March 2026)

Losing vision to corneal disease is not always preventable because treatment options are limited and not widely accessible. STEM-CORE aims to train the next generation of researchers to create advanced, affordable treatments for corneal blindness.