PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in Ophthalmic Epidemiology

The PhD project will be supervised by Dr. Dr. Petra Larsen, scientific lead of the ophthalmic epidemiology team. The research is embedded in the large population-based Rhineland Study, a comprehensive long-term cohort investigating determinants of brain health. We are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious early-career researcher with a strong interest in investigating multi-omic and eye imaging signatures in the context of age-related macular degeneration, starting by 01.08.2026 at the latest.

The Ophthalmic Epidemiology research team investigates deep phenotyping of retinal ageing, preclinical changes and disease as well as the comprehensive assessment of risk factors driving the onset and progression of both preclinical and clinical disease. These include genetic, molecular, and environmental factors.

The PhD thesis will focus on the relationship between ageing and age-related macular degeneration and encompass the full breadth of scientific work, including the development and implementation of study protocols, coordination and supervision of data collection, and data analysis and publication.

The project will leverage data from the Rhineland Study, a deeply-phenotyped, large-scale population-based cohort study. Available data include comprehensive multi-omics data, including (epi)genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics; eye imaging data, advanced MRI data as well as extensive behavioral and clinical data, including cognitive and neurological assessments, cardiovascular assessments, medical history, and medication use. The study currently includes over 14,000 individuals, of whom more than 6,000 already have longitudinal data. Additional baseline and follow-up data collection is ongoing.

PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in Ophthalmic Epidemiology
Code: 1547/2026/5

3 years, extension possible, full time
Location: Bonn

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is a globally leading, internationally oriented research institution dedicated to discovering new approaches for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.