A NIH funded postdoctoral position is available in the Stem Cell and Disease Modeling Laboratory at the University of Rochester. This position will focus on using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and relevant animal models for mechanistic and therapeutic approaches towards retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and CLN3-Batten disease.  The overall objective of our laboratory is to understand the molecular mechanism(s) of specific retinal and neurodegenerative diseases with the goal of developing pharmacological therapies. Furthermore, the research projects in the laboratory have an integrated focus on retinal physiology, neurodegenerative diseases, stem cells and pharmacology. The tissue/cells utilized to interrogate the molecular mechanism(s) of retinal and neurodegenerative diseases, including inherited and age-related macular degeneration, include patient-derived human iPSCs, gene-edited (CRISPR) hiPSCs, primary eye tissue and relevant animal models.

Well-qualified candidates will have the following qualifications/ experience: A Ph.D. in biological sciences. Prior experience in retinal cell biology, animal models, cell culture tissue engineering and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing  is preferred; especially experience working with hiPSCs and retinal cells and tissue engineering. Experience with and knowledge of statistical and image analysis software would be advantageous.

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, and names of three professional references to ruchira_singh@urmc.rochester.edu.