Research Scientist - Vision Sciences at University of Houston in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

There is an opening for a non-tenure track Research Scientist in the Coulson-Thomas laboratory in the College of Optometry at the University of Houston to work on dry eye disease, with special focus on studying the pathogenesis of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

The candidate will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator. The candidate will be required to isolate and maintain primary cells established immortalized cell lines. The candidate is also expected to establish and maintain successful interactions/collaborations. It is anticipated that the candidate will seek independent funding opportunities as part of the position. This is a fast pace lab that requires researchers be highly organized, efficient, and work as a team.

The College of Optometry, University of Houston provides a fertile environment for blending fundamentals Glycobiology with medical and translational opportunities. The position is available immediately for a period of 1 year, which may be eligible for renewal based on performance and continuation of funding. The candidate must have flexible hours and be available no less than 40 hours a week Monday-Friday. Working hours are flexible, however, the candidate is expected to work 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM or 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM with a 30 minute lunch break.

The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution and recognizes protected classes of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, religion, age (40 and above), national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, and gender expression as required by federal law. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
PhD or MD-PhD with strong experience working with animals, strong record of first author publications and the ability to work in a team and think independently. Proficient in English with excellent communication skills, written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications.

Seeking an enthusiastic and motivated career-oriented PhD or MD-PhD with the following qualifications:

• Extensive animal training and ability to work with knock-out mouse models.
• Experience carrying out ocular surgeries in mice. Comfortable performing animal surgeries.
• Experience working with animals, including maintaining colonies. Of special interest is experience with transgenic mouse models.
• Tissue processing skills are required, including cryo- and paraffin sectioning.
• Proficiency in histology, whole mounting eyelids and cell culture techniques.
• Skills to follow animal research protocols and stay within compliance of IACUC guidelines.
• Basic Cell and Molecular biology skills, including: PCR, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, RNA isolation, protein isolation, glycosaminoglycan isolation, immunocyto/histochemistry, fluorescence microscopy and CRISPR technology.
• Extensive experience supervising students.
• Proficient communication skills.
• Proficient in English with excellent communication skills, written and spoken.
• Ability to work together as a team and also alone.