Research Fellow (Jurkunas

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, has an immediate opening for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Dr. Ula Jurkunas laboratory. Dr. Jurkunas is a clinician-scientist who focuses on the role of oxidative stress in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), an age-related disorder and the leading cause of corneal endothelial degeneration with a higher incidence in women.

Jurkunas lab employs a multidisciplinary approach that integrates molecular biology, genetics, in vivo imaging, disease modeling, and drug screening to understand how oxidant-antioxidant imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, accumulation of reactive estrogen metabolites, and aberrant DNA repair lead to corneal endothelial cell loss. The team is actively involved in the development of cell line- and animal-based disease models with a long-term goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets that can prevent disease progression and preserve vision.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Jurkunas lab is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to expand our work on several potential projects including: (1) role of mitochondrial estrogen metabolism and its impact on DNA repair and mitochondrial biogenesis in FECD; (2) Investigating metabolic and DNA damage pathways causing the female predominance of FECD; (3) Developing therapeutic interventions including small molecule drugs and gene therapy for FECD.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Culture corneal endothelial cell lines derived from normal and FECD patient tissues and develop project-specific cell-based assays.
• Employ genetically modified mouse lines to study the role of specific genes in FECD development.
• Collaborate with and mentor members of the multi-disciplinary team.
• Maintain accurate lab records and documentation.
• Contribute to publications and grant proposals.
• Stay current with scientific advances in the fields of oxidative stress and mitochondrial biology and apply emerging techniques and insights to their own research.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• PhD in Biology (prior experience in ocular research is not required)
• Expertise in immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy.
• Expertise in mammalian cell culture and in vitro transfections.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Evidence of consistent scientific innovation. Proven track record of publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Able to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills. Strong attention to detail
• Able to collect and analyze experimental data, prepare research publications, and communicate results

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Read, analyze, and summarize published literature.
• Design and execute experiments in vitro and in vivo, and ex vivo.
• Undertake relevant coursework if required by mentor.
• Attend relevant lab and departmental meetings.
• Meet regularly with mentor to review project progress and milestones.
• Plan and deliver a seminar on the project.
• Take on administrative (inventory, purchasing, etc.) responsibilities in the lab when necessary.
• Write a final report or submit a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal describing the project and results.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Lab setting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possible lifting of 10 to 20 lbs., depending on nature of chosen project(s).

TO APPLY

The applicant should submit CV, statement of research experience, statement of career goals as well as contact information for two references.

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Employees who violate the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

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