Postdoctoral Scholar

Department: MED-Ophthalmology
Salary/Grade: RES/
 

A postdoctoral position is available for a highly motivated individual to study the molecular pathways of ischemic retinopathy in the laboratory of Dr. Amani Fawzi at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. Research in the laboratory is focused on understanding how the endothelial cells of the retinal vasculature are regulated in health and disease. Current research projects within the lab investigate 1) the role of endothelial epigenetic regulation in diabetic retinopathy, 2) the role of mesenchymal transition in endothelial cells, and 3) dysregulation of retinal vasculature and neurons in response to developmental exposure to oxygen. Recent Ph.D. graduates in molecular and cell biology, systems biology/physiology, or related biomedical sciences are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in retinal research is a plus. 


Principal Duties and Responsibilities
• The specific project will be finalized in consultation with the fellow. Considerable latitude will be given to the fellow to develop their own strategy for addressing questions of mutual interest. In general, the fellow should be highly motivated, able to think critically and capable of carrying the primary responsibility for an independent project.
• The candidate will utilize novel mouse genetic models, next generation RNA sequencing, traditional cellular and molecular biological techniques, and transgenic mouse models to uncover the pathogenesis of endothelial cell dysfunction in retinal ischemia and the transition to fibrosis. It is anticipated that new findings will help uncover the mechanisms underlying vascular endothelial demise in diabetic retinopathy and the transition to fibroblastic phenotype in the retina. Developing the ability to analyze molecular pathways that underlie observed physiological profiles of connectivity is of particular interest.
• A strong molecular biology background as well as familiarity with basic mouse techniques will be essential.

Qualifications
Highly motivated applicants with PhD or MD, working knowledge of retinal physiology, molecular biology, or a related field, and a strong interest in retinal and vascular function in health and disease are encouraged to apply.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required
• Strong prior experience in retinal biology, animal models of disease, and/or molecular biology is required.
• Strong prior experience in immunohistochemistry, light and confocal microscopy, PCR methods, molecular cloning, and ChIP is preferred.
• Basic background in molecular biology techniques, Western blot analysis, viral injections, and mouse genetics is desired.
• Only highly motivated individuals with a deep desire to understand muscle functionality and the cellular and molecular levels will be considered.