Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join Dr. Liyun Zhang’s research team in the Department of Ophthalmology. Our research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying retinal neuron degeneration and regeneration, with the ultimate goal of developing new therapies to slow or cure retinal degenerative diseases.

Our current research efforts include (1) developing and characterizing novel zebrafish genetic models of inherited retinal degenerative diseases; (2) identifying molecular pathways that regulate photoreceptors degeneration and regeneration; and (3) conducting large-scale in vivo drug screening to discover potential therapeutics.

Projects will involve zebrafish disease modeling, high-throughput in vivo drug discovery, visual behavioral assays, CRISPR/Cas9 precise gene editing, single-cell multi-omics, high-resolution imaging, and etc.

We are looking for a self-motivated researcher who is passionate about science, highly dedicated to research, and demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and strong problem-solving skills. This position offers opportunities to contribute to innovative research in retinal biology and therapeutic development

· Duties or Responsibilities

1. Develop and characterize new zebrafish models of human retinal diseases

2. Conduct multi-omics studies to identify molecular pathways regulating photoreceptor degeneration and regeneration.

3. Perform in vivo phenotypic drug screening to identify and validate potential therapeutic compounds.

4. Independently design, perform, troubleshoot, and analyze experiments related to retinal degeneration and regeneration.

5. Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and actively contribute to scientific discussions, presentations, and manuscript preparation.

6. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab as needed.

· Expectations or Qualifications

1. Applicants must have a PhD, MD or equivalent degree in a relevant field.

2. A strong research background in molecular biology, developmental biology, ophthalmology, neuroscience, or a related field, with a demonstrated record of scientific productivity, is preferred.

3. Prior hands-on experience with zebrafish research is strongly preferred.

4. Experience in disease modeling, CRISPR genome editing, visual behavior assay, high-resolution imaging, or single cell multi-omics is an advantage.

5. Candidates must demonstrate strong scientific curiosity, self-motivation, dedication to research, and the ability to independently develop and advance research projects.

6. Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, along with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, are expected.

· Opportunities Available

The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop independent research skills, contribute to scientific publications, and present research at scientific conferences, subject to funding availability.

To further your career, we encourage postdoctoral fellows to explore innovative ideas aligned with lab’s interests and will support their professional development and preparation for future independent research careers.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.