Job Description

Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Vision Science to Study the Biochemical Etiology of an Inherited Macular Degeneration that Causes Blindness

An NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship position is available at Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine

About Stein Eye Institute
Stein Eye Institute is a premier vision-science research center located on the campus of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. The institute houses 20 research groups investigating the basic biology of vision and diseases of the eye. The research culture at Stein Eye is highly collaborative and fosters interactions between groups. The fellow will work in newly renovated, state-of-the-art research space in the Jules Stein building. Salaries are competitive and include a full benefits package.

Project Summary
The Photoreceptor Biochemistry laboratory at Stein Eye Institute, run by Prof. Gabriel Travis (https://www.biolchem.ucla.edu/people/faculty/gabriel-h-travis), studies the visual cycle, which provides visual chromophore to maintain the sensitivity of photoreceptors during light exposure. Mutations in the genes for several visual cycle proteins are responsible for inherited photoreceptor degenerations that cause blindness in humans. The current project is to determine the function of the protein affected in an inherited macular degenerative disease. This study will be carried out using newly developed zebrafish genetic models with null mutations in the same gene. Retinas from these animals will be studied biochemically to measure synthesis of visual chromophore, and physiologically to measure the recovery of photoreceptor sensitivity following light exposure. Biochemical and photochemical conversions of visual retinoids will also be determined in cultured mammalian cells heterologously expressing visual cycle proteins. All experimental techniques planned for this study are established and working in our laboratory.

Requirements for the Position

● PhD or MD degree.
● No more than three years of prior work as a postdoctoral fellow.
● Training in biochemistry or molecular biology.
Experience with physiological recordings from cells would also be very useful.
● Record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
● Desirable skills and experience: (1) prior work with zebrafish or laboratory mice; (2) mammalian cell culture; (3) liquid chromatography; (4) experience with protein manipulation including immunodetection of proteins.
● Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

To Apply

● Candidates are required to submit application packets via email to the overseeing PI Gabril Travis, MD at [email protected] Your cover letter should be addressed to: Prof. Gabriel H. Travis.
● Only applications from within United States will be considered.
● The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. Further, the Department of Ophthalmology values equity, diversity and inclusion. UCLA has programs to assist in partner employment, childcare, schooling and other family concerns. For additional information, visit the UCLA Academic Personnel Office website or the UC Office of the President’s website. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy.