Postdoctoral Scholar, Gonzales Lab (Physiology and Cell Biology)

Nevada System of Higher Education • Reno, NV

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About The Position

The University of Nevada, Reno is seeking a motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Scholar in the Gonzales Lab to lead a project investigating how light regulates vascular function within the choroid, a mechanism that may control metabolic waste clearance from the retina in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The scholar will design and perform experiments using advanced physiological and imaging techniques, including ex vivo pressurized vascular and intact tissue preparations, high-resolution confocal and two-photon Ca2+ imaging, targeted photostimulation, pharmacological and molecular interrogation of cellular signaling pathways, controlled environmental exposure in animal models, and spatial transcriptomics.

The scholar will contribute to all aspects of the research process, including formulating hypotheses, developing and refining protocols, collecting and analyzing rigorous data, interpreting findings in the broader scientific context, and preparing manuscripts for publication. The fellow will be encouraged to develop independent research directions aligned with the lab’s interests, pursue extramural funding, contribute to grant proposals, and gain leadership experience by training and mentoring graduate students, undergraduate students, and other research trainees in a supportive, collaborative research environment.

Requirements

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in Physiology, Vision Science, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in ocular biology, retinal or choroidal physiology, or related areas of vision research.
• The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.
• Must not have held previous positions in the professional ranks.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in ocular vascular physiology, neurovascular signaling, or retinal and choroidal biology.
• Expertise in one or more experimental approaches, including ex vivo tissue preparations, vascular reactivity measurements, patch-clamp electrophysiology, advanced fluorescence imaging, or molecular biology.
• Strong scientific writing, communication, and analytical skills.
• Interest in developing independent research directions, pursuing extramural funding, and mentoring junior trainees.

Responsibilities

• Lead a project on how light regulates vascular function within the choroid and its potential role in retinal metabolic waste clearance in age-related macular degeneration.
• Design and perform experiments using physiological, imaging, molecular, and animal-model approaches.
• Formulate hypotheses and develop and refine research protocols.
• Conduct rigorous data collection and analysis.
• Interpret findings within the broader scientific context.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Develop independent research directions aligned with the lab’s core interests.
• Pursue extramural funding and contribute to grant proposals.
• Train and mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, and other research trainees.

What This Job Offers

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