The Dr John Ash research team at the University of Pittsburgh seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The lab is well funded with support from two NIH R01 Awards. Most projects focus on retinal degeneration mechanisms and identifying pathways that can be targeted to prevent degeneration. The specific project described below was designed to test the role of aging, neurocytokines, and immune modulation in regulating resistance to retinal degeneration. The ultimate goal is the development of therapies to prevent degeneration.

Current research areas include but are not limited to Protective retinal stress responses. For many years, the lab has studied stress response pathways that play an essential role in protecting photoreceptors and RPE from cell death caused by oxidative stress and inherited mutations. Our studies have identified the LIF/gp130/STAT3 pathway as a survival pathway in the retina (Ueki, Wang, et al. 2008, Ueki, Le et al. 2009, Hooper and Ash 2018, Hooper, Wang et al. 2018, Santiago, Keuthan, et al. 2018, Hoang, Wang, et al. 2020). We are currently using high-throughput sequencing, single-cell-multi-omics, genomics, and epigenetic studies to determine how STAT3 interacts with cell-specific transcriptional networks to regulate retinal protection and gene expression.

Qualifications or Expectations:

· Ph.D. in biochemistry, neuroscience, or relevant field of biomedical sciences, or M.D. in Ophthalmology.

· A highly motivated and responsible scientist with demonstrated capability of working independently with strong troubleshooting skills, quick learning, and teamwork spirit.

· Experience in one or more of the following techniques is preferred: animal handling and breeding, mouse injection and dissection, histology, confocal imaging, molecular cloning, Nextgen sequencing, single-cell sequencing, and data analysis.

Opportunities Available:

Trainees with ready-to-publish projects are supported to attend national meetings such as ARVO, FASEB, or RD meetings.

The University of Pittsburgh provides an excellent environment to support diversity and international scientists and is currently ranked number 4 for NIH funding in the US. Pittsburgh is a vibrant and affordable city that offers many local amenities, including major league sports, a dynamic cultural district, and an old-world neighborhood charm. Rated the “Most Livable City” in the US by Forbes Magazine and the Economist, Pittsburgh is a great place to live and work.

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