Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Overview

The Danzer laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to conduct phenotype-genotype studies using human iPSCs to characterize patient mutations for children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). TSC is a multi-system neurodevelopmental disease which frequently leads to epilepsy and autism. CCHMC houses the largest TSC clinic in the world. This is an opportunity to be part of a basic science/translational research project with the potential to improve the care for children with TSC.

The focus of the Danzer lab is to elucidate basic mechanisms of epileptogenesis in mTORopathies, a disease class caused by developmental somatic mutations in mTOR pathway genes. The lab uses a wide variety of model systems and experimental approaches, including EEG, multi‑unit recording, optogenetics, chemo genetics, AAV, and transgenic approaches to manipulate gene targets and neuronal function, calcium imaging, confocal and light sheet microscopy, and electrophysiology.

The lab environment, combined with world‑class research cores and faculty colleagues at CCHMC and UC, provides an exceptional opportunity for fellows interested in pursuing a research career.

The ideal candidate will have a doctoral degree in Neuroscience or a closely related field along with at least two years of experience conducting human iPSC work.

The CCHMC campus sits adjacent to the affiliated University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and combined faculty at the two institutions includes more than 60 basic neuroscience labs as well as active graduate student and postdoctoral programs.

• Develop the skills and knowledge (critical thinking and analysis of data, devising specific aims, long‑term project planning and experimental design) to become an independent scientist.
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments, and analyze data, which may affect decisions regarding future patient care.
• Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques; assess protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks, implement this knowledge in the Division/Department, and troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment.
• Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis.
• Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and meetings; develop skills to critically review and discuss data being presented.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants.
• Progressively increase responsibilities with mentorship of research staff and fiscal administration.
• Maintain currency in the field through continuing education, literature, and seminars; actively participate in discussions with PI and other faculty, trainees and research staff; solicit feedback on career trajectory from PI, mentoring committee, and others who can provide coaching and insight.
• Attend required Cincinnati Children’s training sessions and ensure regulatory compliance with all institutional (i.e., Infection Control, ORCRA, and others as applicable) policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PhD, MD, or equivalent.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability.