Career Center

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 and funded 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

Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University

600 North Wolfe Street, Maumenee B-110

Baltimore, MD, USA 21287     Email: johnson@jhmi.edu