Description

Post Doctoral Associate
Med-Ophthalmology - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (25006648)

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a highly motivated Post Doctoral Research Fellow to join Dr. Liyun Zhang's laboratory in the Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Zhang's research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying retinal neuron cell degeneration and regeneration, with the ultimate goal of developing new therapies to slow or cure retinal degeneration.

Our current research efforts include (1) generating and characterizing novel genetic models using zebrafish, mimicking human inherited retinal degenerative diseases; (2) identifying novel signaling pathways that regulate photoreceptors loss and regeneration; and 3) the high-throughput in vivo drug screening to discover new therapeutic molecules.

Projects will involve zebrafish disease modeling, large-scale in vivo drug discovery, visual behavioral assays, CRISPR/Cas9 precise gene editing, multi-omics studies, high-resolution imaging, and etc. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a collaborative, innovative environment while contributing to impactful research and advancing your career in retinal biology.

• Duties or Responsibilities

1. Develop and characterize zebrafish models of human retinal diseases

2. Conduct transcriptomic (e.g., single-cell RNA sequencing) and proteomic analyses to uncover key signaling pathways in retinal degenerative processes.

3. Perform in vivo phenotypic drug screening to identify and validate potential therapeutic agents.

4. Independently design, perform, and analyze experiments related to retinal degeneration and regeneration.

5. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team and participate in lab meetings, presentations, and manuscript preparation.

6. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab as needed.

Expectations or Qualifications

1. Applicants must have a PhD, MD or equivalent degree in Biologic field.

2. Applicants with background and experience in molecular biology, developmental biology, ophthalmology, and a good publication record are preferred.

3. Applicants with expertise in zebrafish modeling, CRISPR gene editing, visual behavior assay and single cell multi-omics are preferred.

4. All candidates should have a strong interest in retinal research and a proactive work ethic.

5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively are expected.

• Opportunities Available (Ex: Travel fund available for 1 national seminar, OACD workshops, etc.)

To further your career, we will discuss other research ideas that interest you, with the understanding that these resources could be used as foundation for your independent research program.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular
Campus: Pittsburgh
Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
Required Attachments: Curriculum Vitae
Optional Attachments: Cover Letter

Assignment Category Full-time regular

PI280347499