Research Associate

The laboratory of Dr. Jeannie Chen at the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to study phototransduction in rod and cone photoreceptors and the mechanisms underlying retinal degeneration and blindness. This NIH-funded laboratory uses rodent models and cell culture to investigate photoreceptor function, calcium signaling, inherited retinal diseases, GPCR biology, and protein misfolding and aggregation.

The successful candidate will develop and conduct independent research projects under the PI’s guidance, including designing and performing experiments and analyzing and interpreting data. Responsibilities also include presenting research findings, taking a leading role in writing manuscripts for publication, contributing to grant proposals, and supporting laboratory quality control, safety standards, and animal protocols.  

The ideal candidate will be a creative and self-motivated researcher with experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including PCR or qRT-PCR, Western blotting and protein analysis, retinal tissue preparation under light- and dark-adapted conditions, in vitro and in vivo experiments (mouse), cell culture, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunocytochemistry (ICC), calcium imaging, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and image analysis. Experience in photoreceptor biology, phototransduction, calcium signaling, retinal degeneration, protein trafficking, or protein misfolding is particularly valuable. The candidate should work well in a collaborative environment and may have opportunities to mentor junior laboratory members. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, molecular or cellular biology, biochemistry, vision science, or a related field. 

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