Advancing Ocular Surface Disease Treatment: Future Therapies and the Role of Nanotechnology / Innoftal Research Group
Scientic Supervisor / Contact Person
Name and Surname
Marta Vicario-de-la-Torre
ORCID (link)
Localization & Research Area
Faculty / Institute
Faculty of Pharmacy
Department
Pharmacy and Food Technology Department
Research Area
Life Sciences (LIF)
MSCA & ERC experience
Research group / research team hosted any MSCA fellow?
No
Research group / research team have any ERC beneficiaries?
No
Research Team & Research Topic
Research Team / Research Group Name (if any)
Innoftal Research Group (UCM 920415)
Website of the Research team / Research Group / Department
Brief description of the Research Team / Research Group / Department
The members of the research team are part of the INNOFTAL Group (Innovation, Therapy, and Pharmaceutical Development in Ophthalmology; UCM 920415), affiliated with the Department of Galenic Pharmacy and Food Technology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). Established in 2004, the group has been recognized as "excellent" in its most recent evaluation by the Spanish National Agency for Evaluation and Foresight (ANEP).
The group is coordinated by Prof. Rocío Herrero and Prof. José María Martínez de la Casa, both Full Professors at the university and members of this project team. Additionally, team members actively participate in the research groups "Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology" (led by R. Herrero Vanrell) and "Research in Ocular Pathology and Visual Pathways" (led by J. García Feijóo) at the San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute.
Over the past five years, the team has been continuously involved in more than 35 national and international competitive funding projects. This includes participation in four international projects: PANOPTES, RISE 3D-NEONET, and two MSCA-ITN projects: EDEN and ORBITAL. The team has also contributed to over 20 National R&D&I Plan projects, including FIS, ISCIII Networks, and Retos (MAT) initiatives. Six team members were also involved in the REACT-EU project (ANTICIPA-CM) under the Madrid Operational Program 2014-2020, aimed at addressing the COVID-19 crisis.
In terms of private funding, the team has participated in projects funded by pharmaceutical laboratories and clinical trials. These resources have enabled the team to equip its research laboratory with cutting-edge technology and expand its workforce by hiring dedicated researchers.
Our team combines advanced technology with multidisciplinary expertise to push the boundaries of current ophthalmic care. We provide a dynamic and stimulating research environment, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to innovation and academic excellence.
The group is coordinated by Prof. Rocío Herrero and Prof. José María Martínez de la Casa, both Full Professors at the university and members of this project team. Additionally, team members actively participate in the research groups "Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology" (led by R. Herrero Vanrell) and "Research in Ocular Pathology and Visual Pathways" (led by J. García Feijóo) at the San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute.
Over the past five years, the team has been continuously involved in more than 35 national and international competitive funding projects. This includes participation in four international projects: PANOPTES, RISE 3D-NEONET, and two MSCA-ITN projects: EDEN and ORBITAL. The team has also contributed to over 20 National R&D&I Plan projects, including FIS, ISCIII Networks, and Retos (MAT) initiatives. Six team members were also involved in the REACT-EU project (ANTICIPA-CM) under the Madrid Operational Program 2014-2020, aimed at addressing the COVID-19 crisis.
In terms of private funding, the team has participated in projects funded by pharmaceutical laboratories and clinical trials. These resources have enabled the team to equip its research laboratory with cutting-edge technology and expand its workforce by hiring dedicated researchers.
Our team combines advanced technology with multidisciplinary expertise to push the boundaries of current ophthalmic care. We provide a dynamic and stimulating research environment, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a strong commitment to innovation and academic excellence.
Research lines / projects proposed
We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join our research group focused on innovative therapeutic strategies for ocular surface diseases (OSDs), with a particular emphasis on dry eye disease (DED), a prevalent and disabling condition with significant global health and socioeconomic impact.
Our interdisciplinary team is dedicated to the development of advanced nanomedicine-based treatments that address the multifactorial nature of OSDs. We design and evaluate nanosystems—such as liposomes, microemulsions, and hydrogel-based carriers—incorporating osmoprotectants, antioxidants, and re-epithelializing agents to enhance bioavailability, efficacy, and patient adherence. In parallel, we are exploring non-viral nanocarriers for ocular gene therapy, offering safer and more versatile alternatives for the treatment of chronic and degenerative ocular conditions.
Our work is supported by robust in vitro models based on cells that simulate key pathological features such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and wound healing. We are also developing a functional corneal barrier model in collaboration with international experts and exploring organ-on-a-chip technologies for improved mechanistic understanding.
Aligned with the objectives of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) program, the selected postdoctoral researchers will have the opportunity to:
• Investigate the physicochemical properties and in vivo efficacy of nanocarriers for DED and other OSDs.
• Develop personalized drug delivery systems.
• Optimize cellular and organ-on-a-chip models.
• Collaborate with leading international institutions in the field of ocular nanomedicine.
This position offers a stimulating research environment and the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, translational science in the field of precision ocular pharmacotherapy.
Our interdisciplinary team is dedicated to the development of advanced nanomedicine-based treatments that address the multifactorial nature of OSDs. We design and evaluate nanosystems—such as liposomes, microemulsions, and hydrogel-based carriers—incorporating osmoprotectants, antioxidants, and re-epithelializing agents to enhance bioavailability, efficacy, and patient adherence. In parallel, we are exploring non-viral nanocarriers for ocular gene therapy, offering safer and more versatile alternatives for the treatment of chronic and degenerative ocular conditions.
Our work is supported by robust in vitro models based on cells that simulate key pathological features such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and wound healing. We are also developing a functional corneal barrier model in collaboration with international experts and exploring organ-on-a-chip technologies for improved mechanistic understanding.
Aligned with the objectives of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) program, the selected postdoctoral researchers will have the opportunity to:
• Investigate the physicochemical properties and in vivo efficacy of nanocarriers for DED and other OSDs.
• Develop personalized drug delivery systems.
• Optimize cellular and organ-on-a-chip models.
• Collaborate with leading international institutions in the field of ocular nanomedicine.
This position offers a stimulating research environment and the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, translational science in the field of precision ocular pharmacotherapy.
Key words
Application requirements
Professional Experience & Documents
Interested fellows are required to submit the following documents for evaluation:
Curriculum Vitae (CV), letter of motivation and reference letter (optional but recommended).
Applicants with experience in European research projects, scientific writing, or grant applications are encouraged to highlight these skills in their application.
Curriculum Vitae (CV), letter of motivation and reference letter (optional but recommended).
Applicants with experience in European research projects, scientific writing, or grant applications are encouraged to highlight these skills in their application.
One Page Proposal
You can attach the 'One Page Proposal' to enhance the attractiveness of your application. Supervisors usually appreciate it. Please take into account your background and the information provided in Research Team & Research Topic section to fill in it.
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