POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR - TUCKER LAB

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar

Classification Code: FP01

Basic Function and Responsibility

A Postdoctoral Scholar position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Budd A. Tucker in the University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research (IVR) effective immediately. The research position is focused on safety and efficacy of therapeutics under development at the IVR for patients with inherited retinal disease. Applicants should have a solid background in retinal anatomy and genetics, ocular surgical interventions, and ophthalmic examinations. The successful candidate is expected to assist the Principal Investigator in the design, conduct, interpretation and control of experiments in a multi-disciplinary cellular, molecular and engineering research laboratory.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Help to design and plan experiments for various projects with the Principal Investigator, including in-depth literature research to evaluate the current standard for specific experimental protocols.
• Perform ocular surgical interventions and ophthalmic examinations in animal model systems. This includes administering cellular and gene therapy products and drug treatment via ocular injection, performing laser injury in a model of choroidal cell loss, and using ophthalmic exam and imaging techniques such as OCT, fundus exams/photography, fluorescein angiography, ERG, etc. to evaluate the integrity of the eye pre- and post-intervention.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in compilation and evaluation of data for preparation of nonclinical study reports, manuscripts for publication in scientific journals, grant applications, and posters/talks for local and international scientific conferences. Also expected to prepare posters/talks and represent the lab at local and international scientific conferences.
• Perform sample processing, staining, imaging and analysis on tissue samples collected from studies. Includes cryopreservation, cryosectioning, staining and confocal imaging of tissue samples for analysis via IHC/ICC, and paraffin embedding, microtome sectioning, H&E staining, and brightfield imaging of samples for histological analysis.
• Design experiments and coordinate responsibilities for ongoing research among technicians and students, and interpret and evaluate results as they are obtained.

Supervision Received

Expected to work independently and collaboratively. Training in advanced techniques will be provided by the Principle Investigator, or appropriate subject matter expert on an ongoing and as needed basis.

Supervision Exercised

Functional supervision may be exercised over research assistants, laboratory assistants and other assigned research personnel.

Requires the practical or academic knowledge of retinal cell biology, ocular genetics and clinical ophthalmology plus the ability to translate, adapt and apply this knowledge that is generally associated with a PhD or MD, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible work experience. Two or more years of experience in retinal cell biology, ocular genetics and/or clinical research of human diseases is desirable.

1. Excellent written and verbal skills.
2. Experience in retinal biology and ocular genetics.
3. Demonstrated experience in a clinical ophthalmology setting conducting ophthalmic exams and imaging techniques such as OCT, fundus photography, FA, ERG, etc.

1. Residency, Fellowship or volunteer experience in a clinical ophthalmology setting.
2. Certification by an accredited ophthalmology organization (e.g., Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology, International Council of Ophthalmology, etc.).
3. Familiarity with Macintosh computers, including the applications Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe Photoshop, and Endnote or Papers software.
4. Ability to contribute to manuscript and grant preparation.

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