The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Ophthalmology & Visaul Sciences is seeking a 100% Postdoctoral Scholar (FP01) in the laboratory of Dr. Seongjin Seo. Research areas include i) molecular mechanisms of protein trafficking and confinement in photoreceptors, ii) patho-mechanisms of photoreceptor degeneration caused by defective ciliary trafficking, and iii) development of gene therapies to cure inherited retinal degenerations. The laboratory employs genetically engineered rodent models, mammalian cell culture systems, and multidisciplinary approaches ranging from Molecular Biology to Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Proteomics. Applicants should have solid conceptual and research backgrounds in molecular biology, biochemistry, retinal cell biology, and gene therapy with an excellent publication record. Individuals who are highly motivated, enthusiastic about finding cures for genetic diseases, and willing to take risks for innovation are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates are expected to work independently, yet in a collaborative environment with a group of scientists with various expertise. Key areas of responsibility include:

Research

• Develop his/her own research program that aligns with the laboratory’s research interests


• Design and perform experiments and interpret data with minimal oversight from the PI


• Compare experimental data with previously published work and synthesize new hypotheses


• Identify critical questions from data and literature and design experiments to address the questions with appropriate controls


• Obtain scientific and technical knowledge of experimental procedures, reagents, and equipment and develop new experimental procedures if needed


• Publish research results via manuscripts and scientific meetings


• Assist in writing grant proposals and progress reports


• Collaborate with other members of the laboratory and the university


• Assist in maintaining mouse and rat colonies

Equipment Management 

• Assist in the maintenance of laboratory equipment 


• Assist the PI in selecting new instruments


• Assist with the procurement of equipment, supplies, and materials

Administrative Management

• Assist in animal protocols, recombinant DNA registration, Institutional Review Board (IRB), or similar protocol submissions, if applicable


• Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines and maintain safety records

Supervision/Staffing

• Train, advise, and supervise students and new employees


• Supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when needed

Posting note: This requisition is cross posted with an Assistant Research Scientist/Engineer requisition. Either one (1) Assistant Research Scientist (PRJ1) or one (1) Postdoctoral Scholar (FP01) will be hired.

• A PhD or MD/PhD degree in Biological Sciences is required.

• At least 4 years of hands-on research experience in molecular and cellular biology, histology, and/or retinal cell biology but less than 3 years of postdoctoral experience


• Evidence of academic productivity (e.g., publications in peer-reviewed journals) and a strong background in the field of biochemistry, cell biology, and gene therapy


• Proficient in standard molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA and RNA extraction, molecular cloning, reverse transcription, and PCR), histological techniques (e.g., dissection, tissue embedding, cryostat sectioning), basic biochemical techniques (e.g., protein extraction from mouse and rat tissue samples, SDS-PAGE, and immunoblotting), immunofluorescence microscopy, and tissue culture techniques (i.e., generating and maintaining stable cell lines, transfection, and transduction)


• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills

• Proficiency in performing microsurgery and dissection


• Hands-on experience in subretinal injection in mammals


• Hands-on experience in animal tissue collection and cryo-sectioning


• Knowledge and experience in retinal histology and diseases

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