Postdoctoral Positions

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the Laboratory of Dr. Michael Telias (Retinal Degeneration Lab) in the Flaum Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

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This position will focus on using mouse and rat models of retinal degeneration, including mutations that cause retinitis pigmentosa, induced photo-toxicity and retinal detachment, to investigate the physiological and molecular mechanisms that underlie pathophysiological changes in the neuronal network of the inner retina. Death of the photoreceptors in the outer retina triggers a major pathophysiological phenomenon in the inner retina known as remodeling, which degrades residual vision and precludes meaningful vision restoration. We have identified retinoic acid and its receptor as critical in triggering remodeling and are designing and implementing therapeutic strategies to block its activation in the relevant retinal neurons. We are also interested in identifying other targets and elucidating the signaling cascade downstream to retinoic acid receptor activation. We employ methodology encompassing molecular biology, electrophysiology and visually-guided behavioral tasks. 

Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. and should have a strong background in cellular and molecular neuroscience, physiology and pharmacology, or vision science. Prior experience working with rodents, or in molecular cloning and genetic engineering is preferred. Experience in any electrophysiological technique, Calcium-imaging, neuronal morphology reconstruction and other imaging-related methods would be advantageous. Proven understanding of advanced statistical analysis is required. Please submit your application including a CV and the names and contact information of three professional references to Michael_Telias@urmc.rochester.edu.