The Ocular Angiogenesis Group at Amsterdam UMC – University of Amsterdam invites outstanding postdoctoral researchers to apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship in the field of Barrier Biology.

Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic retinopathy, with an emphasis on blood-retinal barrier breakdown in diabetic macular edema. A key protein in edema formation is plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP), a structural component of transcellular vesicles (caveolae), which is absent in the retinal vasculature under normal conditions but is upregulated under pathological conditions. Our work demonstrated that PLVAP is essential for VEGF- and hypoxia-induced vascular leakage, both in vitro and in vivo—providing the first mechanistic insight beyond its use as a permeability marker. Targeting this pathway could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing barrier dysfunction in conditions like diabetic macular edema and potentially cerebral edema. Further mechanistic studies are needed to elucidate PLVAP’s interactions with other caveolar proteins in endothelial cells and support translational development.

 

Candidate Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular, Cell or Medical Biology, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with cell culturing, molecular biology techniques (protein and gene expression analysis), immunocytochemistry and confocal imaging.
• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
  
   

Eligibility

The MSCA-PF program is open to Postdoctoral Researchers with up to 8 years of experience following the completion of their PhD. Candidates from any country are eligible to apply. However, the candidates must not have lived in the Netherlands for more than 12 months within the three years preceding the call deadline (10 September 2025). We kindly encourage you to review the detailed eligibility criteria at the following link, in accordance with the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship requirements: https://marie-sklodowska-curie.

About the Ocular Angiogenesis Group

The group consists of one postdoc and a varying number of PhD students (2-5) and is led by Dr. Ingeborg Klaassen (head of the research lab) and Professor Reinier Schlingemann (ophthalmologist). Within our team you will work closely together with PhD students and technicians and collaborate with other team members and (inter)national collaborators. Within the Amsterdam UMC we have several collaborations with other research groups in the field of vascular research, cancer research and neuroscience. We also collaborate with numerous national and international groups.

Website: https://ocular-angiogenesis.nl/

What We Offer

• Hosting for 12-24 months
• Successful candidates will work in an internationally renowned research team
• Access to fully equipped modern laboratories, advanced core facilities and specialized research centers
• A dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment
• Opportunities to contribute to national and international research projects
• Support for publications and conference participation
• Scientific mentoring and networking opportunities
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How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a CV, motivation letter and brief research outline (max 2 pages) to i.klaassen@amsterdamumc.nl 
by August 3, 2025 – 23:59 CET. Selected applicants will receive full support in preparing their MSCA proposal.