Postdoctoral Appointee

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Appointee to join Dr. Tasneem Sharma's lab at the Department of Ophthalmology. This unique position focuses on cutting-edge research in aerospace medicine, investigating the physiological and psychological impacts of spaceflight.

The appointed researcher will design and perform experiments, oversee data collection, and work with advanced techniques in a collaborative environment. A PhD is required, along with a passion for innovation in space health.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in physiology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or aerospace medicine.
• Strong background in human physiology, translational research, or space biology.
• Experience with human analog studies or related experimental models is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement complex aerospace research experiments.
• Perform microscopy and genomic techniques for studying responses.
• Monitor laboratory personnel and provide training as needed.

Skills

Strong background in human physiology

Experience in translational research

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Education

Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Mass spectrometry

qPCR

RNA-Seq

3-D tissue models

Job description

Postdoctoral Appointee

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring.

Position Details

• Title: Postdoctoral Appointee
• Appointment Type: Postdoctoral Fellow
• Department: IUSM - Ophthalmology
• Campus: IU School of Medicine Indianapolis

Position Summary

A Postdoctoral Appointee position is available in Dr. Tasneem Sharma’s lab at the Department of Ophthalmology and Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine. We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Researcher to join our pioneering efforts in aerospace medicine and space biology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research investigating the physiological and psychological impacts of spaceflight. Our program focuses on human analog studies to simulate microgravity and explore counter‑measures, including neuro‑ocular health interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Designing, performing, and/or overseeing experiments and data collection.
• Conduct a wide range of complex experiments with a degree of independence in conducting aerospace research.
• Perform complex techniques or procedures including but not limited to:
  • Using confocal, fluorescence and live microscopy to image tissue and cells.
  • ELISA, mass spectrometry, and multiplex assays for protein and metabolite profiling.
  • Genomic and transcriptomic techniques such as qPCR, RNA‑Seq, and microarray for studying gene expression changes in microgravity conditions.
  • Cell culture and tissue models such as 3‑D tissue models and microfluidic systems to simulate microgravity.
  • Oxidative stress and mitochondrial function assays including measuring reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial bioenergetics.
  • Simulating microgravity conditions to study physiological responses.
  • Assessing fluid distribution in microgravity analogs.
  • Techniques such as optical coherence tomography, fundus photography, cardiovascular monitoring, muscle and bone assessment to evaluate ocular health (preferred).
• Ensuring data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
• Coordinate assignment of laboratory personnel; monitor completion of assigned tasks and provide training or resources to research technicians and/or graduate students as needed.
• Assist in preparing completed research reports or analyses on each project phase.
• Excellence in written and oral communication skills.
• Direct or participate in the tabulation and computation of project results.
• Write results of experiments and manuscript preparation for publication.
• Participate in the development of grant protocols.
• Maintain knowledge of scientific trends through readings, conferences, and seminars.
• Present research at conferences and seminars.
• Review literature to identify suitable procedures and methods.
• Utilize fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures to perform routine scientific research tasks.
• Maintain knowledge with respect to relevant state‑of‑the‑art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in physiology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or aerospace medicine.
• Strong background in human physiology, translational research, or space biology.
• Experience with human analog studies or related experimental models is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• A passion for advancing knowledge and innovation in space health.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology, stem cell biology, ex‑vivo perfusion culture and/or mouse breeding as well as rodent ocular surgery.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and interpret scientific readings.
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques, protocols, and safety procedures.
• Ability to train new hires and maintain research notebooks.

Application Documents

• Cover letter detailing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements and research accomplishments.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Contact

Tasneem P. Sharma, PhD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine

Office: Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 W. Michigan St, Room GK305U, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]