Summary

The Ocular Surface laboratory in the Department of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine under direction of Cintia de Paiva, M.D., Ph.D. and Stephen Pflugfelder, M.D. is searching for a Post-doctoral Associate or Research Associate to study the cornea-trigeminal neural circuit in a recently funded project. The project investigates the effects of transient and/or prolonged corneal epithelial barrier disruption on nociceptor stimulation, corneal nerve density and RNA and epigenetic profiling in corneal cells and the trigeminal ganglion cells that project to the cornea. The benchmark accomplishments of this project will be a fundamental new understanding of the impact of corneal epithelial barrier disruption that occurs in common corneal diseases on the integrity and function of the corneal epithelial nerve network.

This project will utilize mouse models of corneal barrier disruption, as well as a range of experimental techniques including cell isolation, single cell RNA and ATAC-seq, in situ hybridization, and cornea and trigeminal immunostaining. The ideal candidate will have experience with some or all of these or similar methods. Candidates must have good communication skills and be willing to work with other lab members as a team. Expertise in the application and adaptation of numerous research techniques and procedures is also required.

Job Duties

• Plans, directs and conducts specialized and advanced research experiments.
• Evaluates and analyzes data.
• Establishes new research protocols and procedures.
• Summarizes research findings and publish results in research journals.
• Maintains laboratory operations.
• Supervises research staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in cellular or molecular biology, or immunology research, either as a Ph.D. candidate or post-doctoral fellow.
• Proficiency with experimental design and analysis.
• Proficiency in performing basic molecular techniques such as tissue dissection, cell isolation and sorting, and immunostaining.
• Ability and willingness to work independently while also part of a dynamic research team.
• English writing skills.
• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Experience with rodent care and animal husbandry, or willingness to be trained in animal handling and husbandry techniques is acceptable.
• Experience with basic cell and molecular biology techniques.