Postdoctoral Scholar, Gonzales Lab (Physiology and Cell Biology)

University of Nevada, Reno; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nevada, Reno seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to lead a project on how light regulates vascular function within the choroid, a mechanism with potential relevance to metabolic waste clearance in AMD.

The fellow will design and perform experiments using ex vivo and in vivo vascular and imaging approaches, analyze data, and prepare manuscripts for publication. Leadership and mentorship of trainees are expected.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in Physiology, Vision Science, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, or related field.
• Experience in ocular biology or retinal/choroidal physiology.
• Doctoral degree completed within the five years preceding the appointment.
• Cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform ex vivo and in vivo experiments using advanced imaging and physiological techniques.
• Develop hypotheses, protocols, data collection and analysis; interpret findings and prepare manuscripts.
• Mentor graduate/undergraduate trainees and contribute to grant proposals.

Skills

Ocular biology

Retinal physiology

Imaging techniques

Scientific writing

Education

PhD/MD/MD-PhD in Physiology or Vision Science

Job description

Job Description

The University of Nevada, Reno is seeking a motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Scholar to lead a project on how light regulates vascular function within the choroid, a newly discovered mechanism that may control metabolic waste clearance from the retina in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The fellow will be responsible for designing and performing experiments using a range of advanced physiological and imaging techniques. These approaches include ex vivo pressurized vascular and intact tissue preparations, high-resolution confocal and two-photon Ca2+ imaging, targeted photostimulation, pharmacological and molecular interrogation of cellular signaling pathways, controlled environmental exposure in animal models, and spatial transcriptomics.

Beyond experimental execution, the postdoctoral fellow will be involved in all aspects of the research process: formulating hypotheses, developing and refining protocols, conducting rigorous data collection and analysis, interpreting findings within the broader scientific context, and preparing manuscripts for publication.

The fellow will be encouraged to develop independent research directions aligned with the lab’s core interests, pursue extramural funding, contribute to grant proposals, and gain leadership experience through the training and mentorship of graduate students, undergraduate students, and other research trainees within a supportive and collaborative research environment.

Required Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in Physiology, Vision Science, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in ocular biology, retinal or choroidal physiology, or related areas of vision research.
• Completion of a doctoral degree in the appropriate discipline is required.
• The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.
• The individual cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in ocular vascular physiology, neurovascular signaling, or retinal and choroidal biology.
• Expertise in one or more experimental approaches, including ex vivo tissue preparations, vascular reactivity measurements, patch-clamp electrophysiology, advanced fluorescence imaging, or molecular biology.
• Strong scientific writing, communication, and analytical skills, with an interest in developing independent research directions, pursuing extramural funding, and mentoring junior trainees.

Compensation

Grade Postdoctoral Scholar. To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Department Information

The Gonzales Lab seeks to understand the active role that capillary networks play in sensing and responding to the metabolic needs of the tissue, the mechanisms ensuring the point-to-point delivery of oxygen and nutrients and the removal of metabolic waste. Dr. Gonzales' laboratory employs a broad range of modern experimental approaches and techniques, including ex vivo pressurized vasculature tissue preparations, high-speed high-resolution Ca2+ imaging and patch clamp electrophysiology.

https://med.unr.edu/directory/research-labs/gonzales-lab

Exempt: Yes

Full-Time Equivalent: 100.0%

Posting Close Date Note to Applicant

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Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno is the state of Nevada’s leading public research university. Founded in 1874 as Nevada’s original land-grant university, the University serves more than 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries. Classified by the Carnegie® Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 (“Very High Research”) university, it is also recognized in the Carnegie® Community Engagement classification. The University is ranked by U.S. World Report among the “Best National Universities” and “Best National Public Universities.” It also ranks in the top tier of the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times’ “Top Colleges for Economic Diversity.” Since 2009, nearly $1 billion has been invested in advanced labs, facilities and residence halls on the main campus.

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