Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate

University of Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, PA

17h

About The Position

The University of Pittsburgh’s Ophthalmology Department is seeking a Post Doctoral Associate for a co-mentored position in the laboratories of Dr. Clayton Santiago and Dr. John Ash. The role focuses on mechanistic studies of retinal disease, particularly identifying pathways that mediate neuroprotection. Research integrates histological analysis, in vivo imaging, gene therapy approaches, and single-cell/single-nucleus sequencing to define disease mechanisms and neuroprotective signaling in the retina, with the goal of therapeutic translation.

The position offers co-mentorship and broad training across disease mechanisms, in vivo models, gene therapy, and genomics, as well as collaborative opportunities with investigators across Pitt Ophthalmology and affiliated institutions. Travel funding is available for one national conference or seminar per year to present research findings. The associate will also have access to Office of Academic Career Development workshops and mentoring resources.

Requirements

• PhD in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related field.
• Experience with histological techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, tissue processing, or microscopy, and/or in vivo imaging methods.
• Ability to write and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with animal models, including rodent handling, intraocular injections, or related surgical procedures.
• Background in gene therapy, AAV vector biology, or related molecular techniques.
• Background in neurodegeneration or retinal biology.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments investigating mechanisms of retinal disease progression and neuroprotection.
• Perform histological and immunohistochemical analysis of retinal tissue across animal models of disease.
• Conduct in vivo retinal imaging, including OCT, fundus imaging, and fluorescence-based imaging, to assess disease progression and treatment response.
• Design, produce, and/or administer AAV-based gene therapy constructs for mechanistic studies and therapeutic testing.
• Perform and analyze single-cell and single-nucleus sequencing experiments, including RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq/multiome, in relevant disease models.
• Investigate signaling pathways implicated in disease progression and neuroprotective responses.
• Maintain and manage animal models of retinal disease, including relevant surgical or injection procedures.
• Write manuscripts and prepare data for presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications.
• Maintain accurate experiment records and contribute to lab meetings and journal clubs across both co-mentoring labs.
• Mentor junior lab members, including graduate students and technicians, as appropriate.

Benefits

• Travel funding for one national conference or seminar per year to present research findings.
• Access to Office of Academic Career Development (OACD) workshops and mentoring resources.
• Co-mentorship providing broad training across disease mechanism, in vivo models, gene therapy, and genomics.
• Collaborative opportunities with investigators across Pitt Ophthalmology and affiliated institutions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree