Postdoctoral Position

Position description: A NIH funded postdoctoral position is available in the Stem Cell and Disease Modeling Laboratory at the University of Rochester. This position will focus on using human pluripotent stem cells and relevant animal models for mechanistic and therapeutic approaches targeting vision loss in age-related macular degeneration and lysosomal storage disorders (e.g., CLN3 disease). The overall objective of our laboratory is to understand the molecular mechanisms of specific retinal and neurodegenerative diseases with the goal of developing pharmacological therapies.

Furthermore, the research projects in the laboratory have an integrated focus on retinal physiology, neurodegenerative diseases, stem cells, tissue engineering and pharmacology. The tissues/cells utilized to interrogate the molecular mechanisms of retinal and neurodegenerative diseases, including inherited and age-related macular degeneration, include patient-derived human iPSCs, gene-edited (CRISPR) hiPSCs, primary eye tissue and relevant animal models.

Well-qualified candidates will have the following qualifications/experience:

Prior experience in retinal cell biology, animal models, cell culture tissue engineering and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is preferred; especially experience working with hiPSCs and retinal cells and tissue engineering.

This position is supported by NIH funding, and salary will be set according to NIH postdoctoral salary and University of Rochester guidelines.

• PhD in Biological Sciences:
  Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, etc.
• Previous experience with stem cell culture techniques and tissue engineering techniques
• Previous experience in animal models is desired.
• Proficiency in molecular and biochemical methods (Western blotting, immunostaining, microscopy, ELSIA, qPCR).
• Strong background in retinal cell biology and understanding of retinal degenerative diseases.
• Background in data science and machine learning is highly desirable and would be advantageous.
• A strong track record of productivity as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Design and execute independent and collaborative research projects
• Perform and analyze experiments using molecular biology, cell culture, and imaging techniques to study disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
• Interpret data, maintain detailed records, and present results weekly at lab meetings
• Contribute to grant applications, manuscript preparation and presentations at national and international conferences.
• Mentor graduate or undergraduate students and research staff in experimental design, data analyses and laboratory techniques.

Please submit your application including a cover letter describing research interests and goals, CV, and names of three professional references to hester.edu.