Understanding retinal degeneration for the purpose of optogenetic vision restoration

Project: Understanding retinal degeneration for the purpose of optogenetic vision restoration 

Pain is an essential protective signal that alerts us to actual or potential tissue damage. When pain persists or 

Supervisors:

Dr Jasmina Cehajic Kapetanovic (www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/team/jasmina-kapetanovic)

and Dr Matteo Rizzi (https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/25636-matteo-rizzi)  

Inherited retinal degenerations are the leading cause of blindness in working age population. Despite this, there is only one approved gene therapy treatment for RPE65-related disease and several others in development. These therapies may not be suitable in late-stage degenerations with significant photoreceptor loss. Here optogenetic therapy has potential to restore vision.

In this ambitious project, you will aim to answer several fundamental questions related to our understanding of molecular and cellular basis of retinal degeneration, before optogenetic therapy can be translated into the clinic. If successful, the therapy has potential to treat any type of retinal degeneration (pan-retinal or macular) irrespective of genetic mutation. This research project will be conducted within the NDCN which provides a dedicated centre for eye research within the John Radcliffe Hospital site. The infrastructure provided is world class and space, research facilities and technical support on the proposed project will be readily available on site. In addition, there is an excellent offering of seminars, thematic group meetings and training courses, all presenting opportunities for engagement and collaboration. Parts of the project involving functional assays are also planned at UCL.

Apart from overarching supervision by Dr Kapetanovic and Dr Rizzi with unparalleled expertise in this field, you will have access to bench-side support from postdoctoral scientists in the group and work alongside several other DPhil students. Our group has active collaborations with institutes and biotechnology companies worldwide. As clinician scientists, we are dedicated to translating research findings to benefit our patients.

Eligibility: This studentship is fully funded through the prestigious Fight for Sight Award, UKVRN DTP, and is open to both Home and Overseas students.

Award Value: Please note that this studentship covers UK home fees only. Overseas students would need to pay the difference between home and international fees themselves. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is Y1 £21,612; Y2 £22,476; Y3 £23,375, Y4 24,310. Continuation fees can be negotiated in exceptional circumstances. The successful candidate is strongly encouraged to present at National and International conferences and costs will be covered. All project related consumables are also covered.

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Dr Jasmina Cehajic Kapetanovic (jasmina.kapetanovic@eye.ox.ac.uk).

Please contact graduate@ndcn.ox.ac.uk with any admission process-related questions.

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria. Details are available here.

Application deadline: noon Friday 7th August 2026.