"Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor – Myopia Research (Vision Science, Optometry)"

Department: Vision Sciences

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Description: The University of Houston College of Optometry invites applications for a tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in the Department of Vision Sciences. We are seeking exceptional biomedical researchers focused on the biological control mechanisms of human refractive error, with a strong emphasis on translational research using marmosets as a model system.

Research Focus Successful candidates will be expected to establish and maintain an externally funded research program centered on:

• Mechanisms of emmetropization and refractive error development
• Marmoset models for studying ocular growth and visual development
• Modern genetic and molecular methodologies, including:
  • Genotyping and genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
  • Functional mapping and gene-environment interaction studies
  • Massively parallel reporter assays
  • CRISPR-based genomic modifications
  • Spatial transcriptomics
  • Target cell/tissue identification
  • Ocular tissue organoids

Candidates will have access to the College’s cloud-based data lake, enabling large-scale computational studies integrating biological, clinical, and behavioral datasets or requiring high-performance computing and massive storage resources.

Research Environment The University of Houston College of Optometry offers a rich, collaborative, and well-supported research environment, including:

• A group of vision scientists using human subjects, animal models, tissues, cells, molecular, behavioral, and optical approaches
• A P30 Core Grant from the National Eye Institute (NEI), providing:
  • Instrumentation and optical design support
  • Programming and application development
  • Biostatistics consultation
  • Histology and biomedical imaging services
• A T35 Training Grant supporting research training for professional students
• A patient base that supports patient-based and translational investigations
• Proximity to the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex, offering unparalleled opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Existing strengths in biomedical research across the College and University, fostering a vibrant and innovative scientific community

Teaching Responsibilities Faculty will contribute to the College’s academic mission by teaching in areas aligned with their expertise, including:

• Applied clinical vision science fundamentals
• Graduate-level physiological optics
• Mentorship of graduate and professional students

Salary and rank commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant biomedical field
• Postdoctoral experience
• Strong publication record and evidence of research productivity
• Commitment to collaborative and translational research

Application Instructions Review of applications will begin immediately. For fullest consideration, apply by December 31, 2025.

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two-page research statement
• One- to two-page teaching philosophy
• Contact information for three references

Contact Dr. Vallabh Das, Department Chair: vdas@central.uh.edu
Dr. Wendy Harrison, Search Committee Chair: wwharris@central.uh.edu