"Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ophthalmology"

Position Summary

Postdoctoral Research Associate position open in the Williams Lab in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. The Williams Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with experience in molecular and cellular neurobiology to study neuronal regeneration and preservation in retinal mouse models of injury and disease. This project will examine how cellular metabolism impacts vulnerability or survival during neurodegenerative conditions in vivo. Responsibilities include in vivo imaging of biosensors to read out diversity and dynamics of metabolic states in retinal ganglion cells; spatial transcriptomic and correlated metabolic analysis of retinal ganglion cells; treatment of retinal ganglion cells in models of degeneration; data collection and analysis; and preparation of presentations and manuscripts.

The Williams lab is an established research group at WashU Medicine. Our research goals are focused on identifying fundamental mechanisms of neuronal loss to better understand why neurons die or axons are damaged to ultimately establish new strategies for the preservation or restoration of neural tissue. We use multiple approaches, but focus on mouse models of retinal ganglion cell neurodegeneration, in vivo microscopy, AAV mediated gene delivery and knockout, along with transcriptomic and immunohistological analyses.

The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work with the broad Neuroscience community at WashU. Our lab has established collaborations with investigators specializing in electrophysiology, large volume electron microscopy and other areas to support independent research projects established by postdoctoral scholars. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Career Center, Teaching Center, and campus groups.

Applicants should be recent PhD graduates in Neuroscience or related fields with experience in transcriptomic material generation and analysis, in vivo 2-photon microscopy, adeno-associated virus production and use, experimental design, and data analysis.

Job Description

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at that link. For more information about the lab please visit https://sites.wustl.edu/williams/home/.

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including:

• Manages their own project, which should lead to first author publication(s).
• Develops expertise in isolation and transcriptomic analysis of retinal neurons, surgical approaches to optic nerve injury and glaucoma in mice, and adeno associated virus production and application.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research with excellent writing skills.
• Designs research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Conscientious discharge of research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Working Conditions: This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range: Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Required Qualifications

Education: Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Certifications: No specific certification is required.

Work Experience: No specific work experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Skills: Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing.