Postdoctoral Research Associate (Visual Neuroscience and Myopia)

Neuroscience          ·         Rochester, MI         ·        Full time

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Visual Neuroscience and Myopia)

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

The cover letter includes a brief description of future career goals and contact information of two references. Inquiries should also be addressed to Dr. Dao-Qi Zhang at zhang@oakland.edu

The diversity statement describes interests or efforts in furthering diversity and inclusion, e.g., through mentoring, pedagogy, activism, faculty recruitment/retention, or research on issues related to diversity and social inequality.

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title                         Postdoctoral Research Associate (Visual Neuroscience and Myopia)

Requisition No.             0000691

Job Description Summary     

A non-tenured track Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available within the laboratory of Dr. Dao-Qi Zhang at the Eye Research Institute of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. The NIH/NEI-supported research in this position centers on eye development and myopia. Specifically, it aims to investigate the role of spontaneous retinal activity (retinal waves) in mediating ocular growth through dopamine signaling. Additionally, the research will explore how dopamine deficiency, as observed in an animal model of retinopathy of prematurity, leads to vision impairment and short-axial length myopia. Techniques involved include patch-clamping, transgenic and chemogenetic approaches, protein quantification assays, one/two-photon imaging, and the assessment of ocular dimensions and refraction. The research duties for this position include the following:

• Work with the Principal Investigator to design and develop research projects
• Conduct independent research experiments, including data collection and analysis
• Test, optimize, and troubleshoot new and existing methods and techniques
• Prepare scientific results for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Present research work at national and international scientific conferences
• Assist in the training of graduate students and research staff

Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Minimum Qualifications         

• PhD in Physiology, Neuroscience, or related fields
• At least one first-authored, peer-reviewed publication
• Experience in mouse genetics and patch-clamp recording

Special Instructions to Applicants      

The cover letter includes a brief description of future career goals and contact information of two references. Inquiries should also be addressed to Dr. Dao-Qi Zhang at zhang@oakland.edu

The diversity statement describes interests or efforts in furthering diversity and inclusion, e.g., through mentoring, pedagogy, activism, faculty recruitment/retention, or research on issues related to diversity and social inequality.

School/College & Department/Program Summary   

The Oakland University Eye Research Institute (ERI) was founded in 1968. Since then, the ERI has made significant contributions to our understanding of the normal function of various ocular tissues, as well as the causes of ocular diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and pediatric eye disease. Recently, the ERI has partnered with the Eye Research Center (ERC), founded by OUWB School of Medicine, to promote effective interactions among scientists and clinicians who engage in high-impact vision research and discovery related to eye diseases.

More About Oakland University        

The University is located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University offers 142 bachelor’s degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Academics include programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing. As an anchor institution in southeastern Michigan that is dedicated to building ongoing, collaborative relationships, Oakland University embraces community and civic engagement to enhance the lives of its students and positively impact the broader community. Learn more about Oakland University’s https://www.oakland.edu/about/ou-mission-and-vision/“ and https://www.oakland.edu/president/initiatives/strategic-plan/.

Pay Basis                     

Open Date                     10/10/2023

Open Until Filled            Yes

Job Category                Academic Researcher

EEO Statement            

Oakland University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.

Please click here to apply.