Postdoctoral Appointee

Indiana University

Indianapolis (IN)

On-site

USD 50,000 - 70,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A leading academic institution in Indianapolis is offering a Postdoctoral Appointee position in Dr. Tasneem Sharma’s lab within the Department of Ophthalmology. The opportunity focuses on innovative research in aerospace medicine, specifically studying the physiological effects of spaceflight. Candidates should have a strong background in human physiology and demonstrate excellent communication skills to succeed in a collaborative environment. The role includes designing experiments, supervising research, and preparing analyses for publication.

Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in a relevant field such as physiology, neuroscience, or aerospace medicine.
Experience with human analog studies or related experimental models is highly desirable.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

Design, perform, and oversee experiments in aerospace medicine.
Use microscopy techniques for imaging tissue and cells.
Ensure data integrity and protocol compliance.

Skills

Aerospace medicine

Research techniques

Cell culture

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in relevant field

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Mass spectrometry

ELISA

Job description

Title

Postdoctoral Appointee Specific Title 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. 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 countermeasures, including neuro‑ocular health interventions.

SUMMARY: The successful candidate would require expertise in the application and adaptation of various research techniques and procedures, coordinate laboratory activities, supervise research technicians and student employees, and participate in protocol development, data analysis and report/manuscript preparation.

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:
Utilizing confocal, fluorescence and live microscopy to image tissue and cells.
ELISA, mass spectrometry, and multiplex assays for protein and metabolite profiling.
Having in-depth knowledge on genomic and transcriptomic techniques such as qPCR, RNA‑Seq, and microarray for studying gene expression changes in microgravity conditions.
Ability to perform cell culture and tissue models such as 3D tissue models and microfluidic systems to simulate microgravity.
Understanding and experience with oxidative stress and mitochondrial function assays which include 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 would be preferable.
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.
Utilizing fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures to perform routine scientific research tasks.
Maintaining knowledge with respect to relevant state‑of‑the‑art technology, equipment, and/or systems.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Indiana University Department of Ophthalmology at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute is to train tomorrow’s ophthalmologists and advance treatment and prevention of eye diseases and vision disorders through basic, translational, and clinical research. Our vision is to accomplish this in an environment of inquiry and learning for the advancement of patient‑centered care through a world‑leading eye institute. To successfully accomplish our mission and vision, we must foster a diverse environment that is welcoming, accepting, and culturally competent and that supports all individuals in reaching their full potential.

For more information on our research, please visit https://medicine.iu.edu/ophthalmology

IUSM is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well‑being for all throughout the state of Indiana.

Basic Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in a relevant field such as 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.

Additional Qualifications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates with molecular biology, stem cell biology, ex‑vivo perfusion culture and/or mouse breeding as well as rodent ocular surgery experience are preferred. Ability to exercise independent judgment, interpret and determine appropriateness of scientific readings, knowledge of laboratory techniques, protocols, and practices, as well as the ability to train new hires; maintain notebooks and specific assay protocols. Successful completion of the required courses through the safety department (Radiation, Blood‑borne Pathogens, Biological and Laboratory Safety, etc.).

Special Instructions

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

Contact

Department Contact for Questions

tasneem p sharma, PhD

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute

Primary Faculty

Stark Neuroscience Research Institute

Adjunct Faculty

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Indiana University School of Medicine

1160 W. Michigan St, Room GK305U

Indianapolis, IN, 46202