Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Danzer) Tuberous Sclerosis

Cincinnati Children's; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned children's health institution in Cincinnati is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to join a laboratory focused on understanding disrupted mTOR signaling and its effects on neuronal function. This full-time role includes responsibilities such as designing laboratory experiments, analyzing data, improving current methodologies, and mentoring research staff. Candidates must possess a PhD/MD or equivalent. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to critical research aimed at preventing epilepsy and cognitive disorders.

Qualifications

• PhD/MD or equivalent required to qualify for this position.

Responsibilities

• Develop skills to become an independent scientist.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments, analyze data.
• Research and improve methods for accuracy in the lab.
• Discuss insights about results with Faculty.
• Present research findings at various meetings.
• Draft and edit scientific reports and publications.
• Mentor research staff.
• Stay current through continuing education.
• Attend required training sessions and ensure regulatory compliance.

Job description

Dr. Danzer is looking for a motivated postdoctoral fellow to join his laboratory. We are exploring the role of disrupted mTOR signaling in mediating the aberrant integration of abnormal neurons in the hippocampus. Mutations in mTOR signaling pathway genes, such as PTEN, TSC1 and TSC2, cause epilepsy, autism and cognitive dysfunction in humans. Ongoing research in the lab is aimed at understanding how disrupted mTOR signaling promotes the aberrant rewiring of hippocampal neurons, and whether modulating this pathway can be used to prevent and treat epilepsy.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop the skills and knowledge (critical thinking and analysis of data, devising specific aims, long‑term project planning and experimental design) to become an independent scientist
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments, and analyze data, which may affect decisions regarding future patient care.
• Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques. protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Implement this knowledge in the Division/Department. Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment.
• Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis.
• Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and meetings. Develop skills to critically review and discuss data being presented.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants.
• Progressively increasing responsibilities with mentorship of research staff and fiscal administration
• Maintain currency in field through continuing education, literature, and seminars. Be an active participant in the process through intellectual discussions with PI and other faculty, trainees and research staff. Solicit feedback on career trajectory from PI, mentoring committee and others who can provide coaching and insight.
• Attend required Cincinnati Children’s training sessions and ensure regulatory compliance with all institutional (i.e. Infection Control, ORCRA and others as applicable) policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required

• PhD/MD or equivalent

Primary Location

Location S

Schedule

Full time

Shift

Day (United States of America)

Department

Neurology

Employee Status

Regular

FTE

1

Weekly Hours

40

About Us

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s.

Cincinnati Children's Is

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as atop 10 best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years
• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding
• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025)
• One of the nation's America's Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune
• Consistently certified as great place to work
• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability
• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

We Embrace Innovation—Together. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.

Comprehensive Job Description Provided Upon Request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability