Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Retinal Aging, Neurodegeneration and Therapeutic Discovery

A postdoctoral research position is available in the newly established Campello Laboratory in the Department of Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, TX). We are seeking a highly motivated, creative, and independent scientist to join our team. The successful candidate will lead innovative research projects, contribute to the development of the laboratory, and collaborate in a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment.

The Campello Laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive retinal aging and neurodegeneration and how age-associated changes increase susceptibility to retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Our research aims to distinguish the molecular changes associated with healthy aging from those that initiate disease, enabling the discovery of biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and strategies to preserve vision. We integrate molecular biology, genetics, advanced mouse models, viral engineering, in vivo retinal phenotyping, and cutting-edge single-cell and spatial multi-omics. By combining experimental biology with computational systems biology approaches, we seek to uncover fundamental mechanisms of retinal aging and accelerate the development of next-generation therapies for retinal disease.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative research environment while demonstrating the ability to work independently. They are expected to be proactive, intellectually curious, and motivated to pursue innovative research. As the laboratory grows, they will also have opportunities to mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, and research staff.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

·       Design, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments.

·       Lead innovative research projects from conception through publication.

·       Perform mouse husbandry, colony management, ocular procedures, tissue collection, retinal dissections, and other in vivo experimental procedures.

·       Conduct retinal phenotyping using ophthalmic imaging and functional assays, including:

o   Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

o   Electroretinography (ERG)

o   Fundus imaging

o   Additional retinal imaging and functional assays as needed

·       Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments, including:

o   Next-generation sequencing, nucleic acid and protein analyses, molecular cloning, and gene expression studies

o   Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics and other molecular profiling approaches

o   CRISPR genome engineering and AAV-based gene delivery

o   Immunohistochemistry, microscopy, histology, and quantitative image analysis

·       Prepare manuscripts for publication and contribute to fellowship and grant applications.

·       Present research findings at laboratory meetings and national and international scientific conferences.

·       Mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and research assistants as the laboratory grows.

·       Contribute to building a collaborative, rigorous, and inclusive laboratory environment.

·       Maintain high standards of scientific rigor, integrity, and reproducibility.

Applicants must have:

·       A Ph.D. in Vision Science, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.

·       A strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and the ability to lead research projects.

·       Extensive hands-on experience working with mouse models, including animal handling, colony management, and in vivo experimental procedures.

·       Experience with retinal dissections and ocular procedures.

·       Strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques.

·       Excellent experimental design, troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated scientific writing experience.

·       Strong organizational and time management skills, with a commitment to maintaining accurate and well-documented electronic laboratory records.

·       Demonstrated ability to work productively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

·       A strong commitment to scientific rigor, integrity, and reproducible research.

The following qualifications are highly desirable but not required:

• Experience with retinal phenotyping techniques, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG), fundus imaging, or related ophthalmic imaging modalities.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing, single-cell or spatial transcriptomics, CRISPR genome engineering, AAV-mediated gene delivery, or computational analysis of high-dimensional biological datasets.

Interested qualified candidates should submit:

·       A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and technical expertise.

·       A one-page cover letter describing previous research experience, scientific interests, motivation for joining the Campello Laboratory, and long-term career goals.

·       Contact information for three professional references.

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community.  As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/