Research Scientist - Dry Eye Disease

Department: Vision Sciences.
Salary: Commensurate with experience.

There is an opening for a non‑tenure track Research Scientist in the Coulson‑Thomas laboratory at the College of Optometry at the University of Houston to work on Dry Eye Disease, focusing on studying the pathogenesis of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and mechanisms regulating Limbal Stem Cells (LESCs).

The candidate should have extensive animal training, be able to work with knock‑out mouse models, and experience carrying out ocular surgeries in mice. Tissue processing skills are required, including cryo and paraffin sectioning. The candidate will be required to isolate and maintain primary cells and established immortalized cell lines. The candidate should have experience in basic molecular biology techniques, extensive experience supervising students, and excellent communication skills.

Independent funding opportunities will be sought as part of the position.

Responsibilities are completed under the supervision of the Principal Investigator in a fast‑paced lab that requires researchers to be highly organized and efficient, working as a team. The College of Optometry provides a fertile environment for blending fundamental glycobiology with medical and translational opportunities. The position is available immediately for a period of 1 year, renewable for an additional year based on performance.

Flexibility of hours is required; the candidate must be available no less than 40 hours per week Monday‑Friday. Working hours are flexible but expected to be 8:30 am‑5:00 pm or 9:00 am‑5:30 pm with a 30‑minute lunch break.

PhD or MD‑PhD with strong experience working with animals, a record of first‑author publications, and the ability to work independently and in a team. Ability to establish and maintain successful collaborations, and excellent communication skills.

• Comfortable with performing animal surgeries.
• Experience working with animals, including maintaining colonies; special interest in transgenic mouse models.
• Proficiency in histology, whole‑mounting eyelids, and cell culture techniques.
• Skills to follow animal research protocols and remain compliant with IACUC guidelines.
• Basic cell & molecular biology skills, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, RNA isolation, protein isolation, glycosaminoglycan isolation, immunocytochemistry/histochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and CRISPR technology.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates. All positions at the University of Houston‑System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. The University of Houston System and its universities are an Equal Opportunity Institution.