Open Positions

Flaum Eye Institute / Research / Labs / Singh Lab / Open Positions

Postdoctoral Research Associate

A NIH funded postdoctoral position is available in the Stem Cell and Disease Modeling Laboratory at the University of Rochester. This position will focus on using human pluripotent stem cells and relevant animal models for mechanistic and therapeutic approaches targeting vision loss in age-related macular degeneration and lysosomal storage disorders (e.g., CLN3 disease). The overall objective of our laboratory is to understand the molecular mechanism(s) of specific retinal and neurodegenerative diseases with the goal of developing pharmacological therapies. Furthermore, the research projects in the laboratory have an integrated focus on retinal physiology, neurodegenerative diseases, stem cells, tissue engineering and pharmacology. The tissue/cells utilized to interrogate the molecular mechanism(s) of retinal and neurodegenerative diseases, including inherited and age-related macular degeneration, include patient-derived human iPSCs, gene-edited (CRISPR) hiPSCs, primary eye tissue and relevant animal models.

Well-qualified candidates will have the following qualifications/ experience: A Ph.D. in biological sciences. Prior experience in retinal cell biology, animal models, cell culture tissue engineering and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is preferred; especially experience working with hiPSCs and retinal cells and tissue engineering. Background in data science and machine learning is highly desirable and would be advantageous.

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, and names of three professional references to ruchira_singh@urmc.rochester.edu.

Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician will be responsible for conducting research under the supervision of lab manager and principal investigator in a Stem Cell and disease modeling lab at the University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute. Techniques include but are not limited to cell culture, quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, confocal microscopy. The research personnel will also be responsible for ensuring maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment as well as proper disposal of waste material. The scientific research will be focused on utilizing human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) to model and study retinal degenerative diseases. The suitable candidate should demonstrate the ability to perform experiments and carry out cell culture work independently under the general guidance of senior laboratory personnel.

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and independent research experience. Prior experience in retinal cell biology and cell culture is preferred; especially experience culturing and working with human stem cells and retinal cells. Required computer skills include familiarity with MS Office. Experience with and knowledge of other statistical and image analysis software would be advantageous. Weekend work as deemed necessary for taking care of cells may be required.

Interested candidates should contact the PI at ruchira_singh@urmc.rochester.edu.

Technical Associate

Location: School of Medicine & Dentistry

Schedule: Full Time 40 hours Ophthalmology 7:30AM-4:30PM; OCCAS WKENDS/HOLS

Position Summary:

Technical Associate 1 will be the senior laboratory employee responsible for overseeing and conducting research in a Stem Cell and disease modeling lab at the University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute. The primary focus of the research in the Singh laboratory is on investigating disease mechanisms and identifying rational therapies for specific retinal degenerative diseases.

Responsibility:

Technical Associate 1 will act as the Lab manager and will be responsible for performing experiments, analyzing data, helping with manuscript and grant preparation, overseeing other lab personnel, lab organization and ordering of supplies. The scientific research will be focused on utilizing animal models and human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) to model and study retinal degenerative diseases. The suitable candidate should demonstrate the ability to carry out specific research projects independently under the guidance of the principal investigator (PI) and senior laboratory personnel (Staff Scientist/post doc).

Specific Responsibilities:

Independently conduct laboratory research projects under the guidance of the PI and senior laboratory personnel (Staff Scientist/post doc). Perform cell and tissue culture daily and oversee the animal colony including genotyping the mice and conducting experiments as needed. The experimental techniques used will include tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry, RNA and protein, RT and quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunoprecipitation. Other molecular and cell biology techniques may need to be utilized as dictated by the project. Maintain laboratory, including ordering of reagents and supplies, preparing and projecting budgets, organizing and cleaning lab, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, and training and supervising other laboratory personnel, including students and laboratory technicians. Review current literature, analyze and summarize data, assist with manuscript and grant preparation, attend and present data at laboratory meetings. Also, work on various IRB and safety protocols and ensure that all the University guidelines and requirements are current and up to date Create and modify standard operating procedures for techniques developed and used in the laboratory to ensure documentation and repeatability of lab protocols. Other duties as necessary for completion of research project and work assigned by the PI. 25% 25% 25% 15% 5% 5%

Requirements

Well qualified candidates will have the following qualifications/ experience: Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably with 3-4 years of experience in biological science research in a laboratory setting. Prior experience in animal handling and experiments as well as cell culture is preferred. Required computer skills include familiarity with MS Office. Experience

with and knowledge of other statistical and image analysis software would be advantageous. Weekend work as deemed necessary for taking care of cells may be required.