Job Summary:

The Martínez-De Luna laboratory in the Center for Vision Research (CVR) (https://www.upstate.edu/cvr) is seeking a Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow to conduct experimental work under the supervision of the principal investigator and senior lab personnel. Specializing in developmental biology, we focus on how the extracellular matrix guides the development and connectivity of retinal ganglion cells, which are responsible for transmitting all visual information to the brain. We aim to uncover strategies that exploit the extracellular matrix to prevent blindness.

The Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow will perform experiments and collect data to investigate the role of the extracellular matrix in optic chiasm development. Under the supervision of the principal investigator, the postbaccalaureate researcher will be responsible for experiments at the bench, performing statistical analyses, analyzing, and interpreting data, and preparing research presentations and manuscripts. Previous experience with techniques such as immunostaining, DNA and protein extraction, and PCR is a required. The candidate will also be responsible for maintaining an accurate lab notebook with experimental details and reporting the results of the experiments to the principal investigator and with the laboratory group.

The Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow must have previous undergraduate research experience. In addition, the researcher must possess strong analytical skills, oral/written communication skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team. The candidate must also be eager to learn and receive feedback and have strong organizational and interpersonal skills. In the Martínez-De Luna lab we are committed to the professional development of our members and provide inclusive mentorship and training in vision science. Professional development opportunities include but are not limited to attending the vision course offered in the CVR, attendance of the CVR’s weekly data lecture series and other seminars, and authorship on publications to which the candidate contributed.

The Center for Vision Research is the research arm of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, comprising 14 funded faculty members with joint appointments in Cell, Molecular, and Neuroscience Departments, leading vigorous basic and translational projects in a new state of the art facility. Programs span multiple disciplines, including developmental biology, retinal physiology, cell biology, biophysics, neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology, matrix biology, and tissue engineering.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in science (BS) with undergraduate research experience and proven interest in continuing advanced studies such as MD/PhD, PhD, or MD evidenced by special medical and research leadership trainings. This position requires a commitment to pursue an advanced degree in two years’ time.

Preferred Qualifications:

Work Days:

Monday - Friday; 8:00 - 5:00; Depending when experiments need to be performed

Message to Applicants:

Salary range:$35,568-$55,000

Recruitment Office: Human Resources