Post-doctoral Research Fellow for the Johns Hopkins Optic Nerve Regeneration Initiative
Johns Hopkins University
Application
Details
Posted: 02-Jun-22
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: A-107781-11
General Description
The Johns Hopkins Optic Nerve Regeneration Initiative is seeking a highly qualified, motivated, and creative scientist with expertise in cellular neuroscience and/or molecular biology to join our collaborative, interdisciplinary research program as a post-doctoral research fellow. The successful candidate will play a central role in a collaborative project investigating the functional integration of stem cell-derived neurons into the mammalian retina. The project will involve design of novel molecular reporter and gene expression constructs, CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering, stem cell culture and differentiation, and retinal organoid culture. The laboratory is directed by Thomas V Johnson andfunded by NIH/NEI, Research to Prevent Blindness, and BrightFocus. Project collaborators and co-mentors for the successful applicant include Dr. Xitiz Chamling, PhD and Dr. Don Zack, MD, PhD - both recognized experts in retinal development, stem cell biology, and molecular biology. We are committed to support and mentor candidates to be independent and successful in their future career.
Wilmer Eye Institute: Founded in 1925, the Wilmer Eye Institute is the largest Department of Ophthalmology in the United States. In addition to being recognized as a preeminent provider of general and subspecialty clinical eye care, Wilmer is an internationally recognized research enterprise. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer
Description of the project: Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) replacement holds potential for restoring lost vision in optic neuropathies including glaucoma. While worldwide efforts are making strides in promoting RGC axon regeneration from the eye to the brain, whether and how transplanted RGCs integrate with the recipient inner retina remains poorly understood. The successful applicant will lead a project aimed at characterizing and optimizing the functional retinal integration of transplanted stem cell derived RGCs in multiple rodent models of glaucoma and optic neuropathy. Relevant techniques to be employed include cell, tissue, and retinal organoid culture, multiphoton microscopy, optical electrophysiology, semi-automated and automated 3D image analysis, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and RNA sequencing. The position will also involve authorship of manuscripts and presentation of data at national and international conferences.
Qualifications
This is a fully funded 3-to-5-year post-doctoral fellowship, renewable yearly based on successful performance. The successful applicant must have a PhD degree in neuroscience, cell biology, molecular biology, or a closely related field. Ideal qualities in the candidate include strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and teamwork, and an interest in visual neuroscience. A strong publication record is required.
Application Instructions
Position opening date: June 1, 2022. This position will remain open until filled. Salary and benefits will be determined based on the experience of the candidate and NIH as well as University guidelines.
To apply: Please submit your CV, a brief statement of interest and career goals (2-page max), as well as three reference letters via the Apply Now link
For questions, please contact the principal investigator:
Thomas V Johnson III, MD, PhD
The Allen & Shelley Holt Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Johns Hopkins University remains committed to its founding principle, that education for all students should be grounded in exploration and discovery. Hopkins students are challenged not just to learn but also to advance learning itself. Critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and entrepreneurship are all encouraged and nourished in this unique educational environment. After more than 130 years, Johns Hopkins remains a world leader in both teaching and research. Faculty members and their research colleagues at the university's Applied Physics Laboratory have each year since 1979 won Johns Hopkins more federal research and development funding than any other university. The university has nine academic divisions and campuses throughout the Baltimore-Washington area. The Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the School of Education and the Carey Business School are based at the Homewood campus in northern Baltimore. The schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing share a campus in east Baltimore with The Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Peabody Institute, a leading professional school of music, is located on Mount Vernon Place in downtown Bal...timore. The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies is located in Washington's Dupont Circle area.