Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic individual with an interest in biomedical research to work in the field of biology and disease of the retina as a Research Technologist. Specifically, our lab studies the role of the transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), in ocular disease. In the eye, HIF dysregulation leads to increased expression of gene products that promote angiogenesis and vascular permeability. However, HIF modulates the expression of hundreds of genes that are also essential for adaptive responses regulating vascular remodeling, cellular metabolism, as well as the response of cells to oxidative stress. The balance between HIF regulation and dysregulation can play a protective or harmful role, respectively, in ocular disease. Our lab investigates the role of HIF and HIF-regulated gene products in the pathophysiology of ischemic retinopathies (e.g., diabetic eye disease, retinal vein occlusions, and sickle cell retinopathy), retinal degenerations (e.g., dry and wet age-related macular degeneration), and ocular tumors (e.g., uveal melanoma) with the goal of identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of these vision-threatening diseases.



Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the principal investigator and other laboratory personnel, the successful applicant will be responsible for performing experimental analyses on fresh, fixed or cultured human and mouse retinal tissues or cells.
He/she will follow established procedures or protocols to utilize basic cellular and molecular biology methods, such an immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, tissue cultures, and cell transfection.
The projects will involve transgenic mice, and therefore require maintenance of mouse lines by breeding and PCR genotyping.
The successful applicant is expected to maintain clear written records and be able to design and carryout experiments independently.
He/she will also be encouraged to contribute to the planning and writing of any relevant publications.


Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques in cellular and molecular biology.


Preferred Qualifications
Some relevant post-undergraduate work experience in the field of cellular and molecular biology.
Experience in mouse breeding and genotyping.