Research Scientist 3

The University of New Mexico•Albuquerque, NM

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is seeking a Research Scientist 3 to support translational research focused on diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular biology, blood-retinal barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and development of novel therapeutic strategies. Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator, this role independently plans, coordinates, and conducts in vitro and in vivo studies involving retinal vascular disease models. The Research Scientist 3 participates in experimental design, execution, data analysis and interpretation, development and optimization of research methods, preparation of scientific manuscripts and presentations, and training of junior research personnel. The position is based at the Campus Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is a benefits-eligible, full-time term staff position with an end date of December 31, 2029.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities; completed degrees above the minimum education requirement may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check; additional health screenings may be required depending on the research conducted.

Nice To Haves

Degree in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, vision science, or a closely related discipline.
Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in biomedical or translational research.
Experience with preclinical mouse models and animal colony management.
Experience with drug, viral-vector, or other experimental therapeutic administration.
Experience in retinal vascular biology, diabetic retinopathy, endothelial biology, or related vascular disease models.
Experience with mammalian cell culture and primary or patient-derived cellular models.
Experience with Western blotting, immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques.
Experience analyzing experimental data and preparing figures, manuscripts, abstracts, and scientific presentations.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative multidisciplinary research environment.
Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Responsibilities

Independently design, conduct, optimize, and troubleshoot cellular, molecular, and preclinical experiments related to retinal vascular biology and diabetic retinopathy.
Perform and coordinate studies using mouse models, including colony management, animal handling, drug or biologic administration, tissue collection, and experimental monitoring.
Conduct cell-based studies using retinal endothelial and other relevant cellular models and assist in developing advanced disease-modeling platforms.
Perform molecular and cellular assays, including Western blotting, immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, metabolic assays, and related biochemical techniques.
Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data; maintain quality-control procedures and accurate research records.
Adapt and modify established experimental methods and develop solutions to technical or scientific problems encountered during research.
Prepare figures, scientific reports, manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for publication and scientific meetings.
Contribute to preparation of research proposals and supporting scientific materials.
Assist with coordination of research projects and ensure compliance with approved research protocols, institutional policies, laboratory safety requirements, and animal-care procedures.
Provide technical guidance and training to research staff, students, trainees, and other laboratory personnel.
Assist in maintaining laboratory equipment, supplies, reagents, and research resources.
Perform other research-related duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.