Research Fellow, Pgy0 (Jurkunas)

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ABOUT JURKUNAS LAB:

The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, has an immediate opening for a Postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Ula Jurkunas laboratory.

Dr.

Jurkunas is a clinician-scientist who focuses on the role of oxidative stress in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and uses current molecular biology approaches to understand the mechanisms of how oxidant-antioxidant imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, accumulation of reactive estrogen metabolites, and abnormal DNA damage response leads to corneal endothelial cell apoptosis, extracellular matrix deposition and disease manifestation. The laboratory is actively involved in development of cell line- and animal-based models to identify the pathogenic mechanisms in FECD and design targeted therapeutics to slow/reverse the disease progression.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Jurkunas lab is seeking a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellow to join our small molecule development project in the lab. The successful candidate will have a PhD in chemistry/ biochemistry or other closely related fields with a strong background and expertise in small molecule synthesis, high throughput screening assays, and drug delivery.

Experience in nanoparticle synthesis is highly desired. Experience in basic molecular and cellular biology techniques is a plus. The candidate will work closely with cornea fellows, postdocs, and technicians to learn about corneal disease models and optimize the design and delivery of small molecule therapeutics for FECD.

The candidate will be involved in experimental design, data interpretation, and manuscript and grant preparation. Strong communications skills and the ability to mentor and teach others as well as work independently are essential. Prior experience in the ocular research is not necessary.

The applicant should submit CV, statement of research experience, statement of career goals as well as contact information for two references.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Read, analyze, and summarize published literature.

• Design and execute experiments in vitro and in vivo.

• Undertake relevant coursework if required by mentor.

• Attend relevant lab and departmental meetings.

• Meet regularly with mentor to review project progress and milestones.

• Plan and deliver a seminar on the project.

• Take administrative (inventory, purchasing, etc. ) responsibilities in the lab when necessary.

• Write a final report or submit a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal describing the project and results.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The successful candidate will have a PhD preferably in chemistry/biochemistry or related fields with a background in small molecule design and delivery. Prior experience in ocular research is not necessary.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Lab setting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possible lifting of 10 to 20 lbs., depending on nature of chosen project(s).

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