Postdoctoral Appointee

Position Summary

A Postdoctoral Appointee position is available in Dr. Tasneem Sharma's lab at the Department of Ophthalmology and Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine. We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Researcher to join our pioneering efforts in aerospace medicine and space biology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research investigating the physiological and psychological impacts of spaceflight. Our program focuses on human analog studies to simulate microgravity and explore countermeasures, including neuro-ocular health interventions.

SUMMARY

The successful candidate would require expertise in the application and adaptation of various research techniques and procedures. Coordinate laboratory activities and maintain the progression of research projects. Supervise research technicians and student employees. Participate in protocol development, data analysis and report/manuscript preparation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Designing, performing, and/or overseeing experiments and data collection.
2. Conduct a wide range of complex experiments with a degree of independence in conducting aerospace research.
3. Perform complex techniques or procedures including but not limited to: Utilizing confocal, fluorescence and live microscopy to image tissue and cells. ELISA, mass spectrometry, and multiplex assays for protein and metabolite profiling. Having in-depth knowledge on genomic and transcriptomic techniques such as qPCR, RNA-Seq, and microarray for studying gene expression changes in microgravity conditions. Ability to perform cell culture and tissue models such as 3D tissue models and microfluidic systems to simulate microgravity. Understanding and experience with oxidative stress and mitochondrial function assays which include measuring reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Simulating microgravity conditions to study physiological responses. Assessing fluid distribution in microgravity analogs. Techniques such as optical coherence tomography, fundus photography, cardiovascular monitoring, muscle and bone assessment to evaluate ocular health would be preferable
4. Ensuring data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
5. Coordinate assignment of laboratory personnel; monitor completion of assigned tasks and provide training or resources to research technicians and/or graduate students as needed.
6. Assist in preparing completed research reports or analyses on each project phase.
7. Excellence in written and oral communication skills.
8. Direct or participate in the tabulation and computation of project results.
9. Write results of experiments and manuscript preparation for publication.
10. Participate in the development of grant protocols.
11. Maintain knowledge of scientific trends through readings, conferences, and seminars.
12. Present research at conferences and seminars.
13. Review literature to identify suitable procedures and methods.
14. Utilizing fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures to perform routine scientific research tasks.
15. Maintaining knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
16. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.