PhD Position – Experimental and Computational Eye Imaging (ERC Starting Grant)

A fully funded PhD position is available at the Universidad de Zaragoza within the ERC Starting Grant VISIONSAFE, focused on the characterization of ocular tissues and early detection of eye disease.

This PhD position focuses on the development and characterization of experimental optical phantoms for ophthalmic imaging. The candidate will design and fabricate tissue-mimicking samples and use different imaging systems (optical coherence tomography, microscopy and other ophthalmic imaging devices) to study how tissue structure and image acquisition affect image quality and quantitative image biomarkers.

The work combines experimental measurements, image processing, and quantitative analysis, with applications in the characterization of ocular tissues.

 

Research activities

• Design and fabrication tissue-mimicking optical phantoms;
• Experimental measurements using ophthalmic imaging systems and microscopy;
• Development of image and data processing algorithms;
• Analysis and interpretation of experimental data;
• Participation in scientific publications and international conferences.

 

Candidate profile

• MSc in physics, optics/photonics, biomedical engineering, imaging science, materials science, biomedical sciences, or related fields;
• Background in image and/or data processing;
• Interest in ophthalmic imaging and microscopy;
• Hands-on attitude towards experimental work and laboratory measurements;
• Programming skills (MATLAB and/or Python);
• Good written and spoken English.

 

We offer

• Fully funded PhD position within an ERC Starting Grant (3 years with possibility of extension);
• Interdisciplinary research environment;
• Access to clinical and experimental ophthalmic imaging systems;
• Opportunity to collaborate with international academic and clinical partners.
• Opportunity to participate in international conferences.

Location: Zaragoza, Spain
Starting date: September 2026
Salary: According to Universidad de Zaragoza regulations and candidate experience (https://gespi.unizar.es/impresos-y-valoraciones).

To apply, please send:

• CV;
• Motivation letter (maximum 1 page);
• Contact information for references (optional).

Applications should be sent to visionsafe@unizar.es (Attn. Prof. Alejandra Consejo).

Application deadline: 3 June 2026