Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ocular Cellular, Molecular, and Genomics Res

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Ocular Cellular, Molecular, and Genomics Research

The Benavente Lab at the SUNY College of Optometry is seeking a highly motivated, independent, and creative Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the cellular, molecular, and genomic mechanisms underlying visually guided eye growth and myopia development. Our research integrates approaches from vision science, molecular biology, and genomics to explore how myopic eye growth alters retinal cell biology, elucidating the molecular basis of refractive error and associated retinal changes.

The successful candidate will lead experimental design and data analysis within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing both fundamental and translational vision research.

• Design and conduct experiments focused on ocular cell biology, molecular signaling, and gene regulation (e.g., immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, apoptosis assays, western blot, ELISA, cell culture, qRT-PCR, etc.).
• Develop and implement retinal genomics and transcriptomics approaches (e.g., scRNAseq, spatial transcriptomics).
• Process, analyze, and interpret data.
• Contribute to manuscripts, grant proposals, and conference presentations.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees.
• Engage actively in a small, collaborative team of clinicians, molecular biologists, and neuroscientists.

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics/genomics, vision science, or a related field.
• Strong background in cellular and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with genomic or transcriptomic data generation and analysis is highly desirable.
• Proven record of research productivity, demonstrated by publications and presentations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.

• Research background in ocular or retinal biology.
• Familiarity with animal models of eye development or disease.
• Experience in computational biology or bioinformatics.

• Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Contact information for three professional references.

Salary: $65,000 – $80,000 per year. This position is funded through the Research Foundation of the State University of New York and includes a generous benefit package.

Equal Opportunity / Affineative Action Statement: The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy‑related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.

The Foundation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.