Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ocular Cellular, Molecular, and Genomics Res

The Benavente Lab at the SUNY College of Optometry is seeking a highly motivated, independent, and creative Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the cellular, molecular, and genomic mechanisms underlying visually guided eye growth and myopia development.

Our research integrates approaches from vision science, molecular biology, and genomics to explore how myopic eye growth alters retinal cell biology to elucidate the molecular basis of refractive error and associated retinal changes.

The successful candidate will lead experimental design and data analysis within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing both fundamental and translational vision research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct experiments focused on ocular cell biology, molecular signaling, and gene regulation (e.g., immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, apoptosis assays, western blot, ELISA, cell culture, qRT-PCR etc).
• Develop and implement retinal genomics and transcriptomics approaches (e.g., scRNAseq, spatial transcriptomics).
• Data processing, analysis, and interpretation.
• Contribute to manuscripts, grant proposals, and conference presentations.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees.
• Engage actively in a small, collaborative team of clinicians, molecular biologists, and neuroscientists.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics/genomics, vision science, or a related field.
• Strong background in cellular and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with genomic or transcriptomic data generation and analysis is highly desirable.
• Proven record of research productivity, demonstrated by publications and presentations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Research background in ocular or retinal biology.
• Familiarity with animal models of eye development or disease.
• Experience in computational biology or bioinformatics.

Application Instructions:

• Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Contact information for three professional references.

This position is funded through the Research Foundation of the State University of New York. The Annual Salary range is $65 to $80K, and there is also a generous benefit package.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State

The State University of New York College of Optometry advances visual health and patient care through leadership in education, research and service. More than a half century ago a group of dedicated optometrists and benefactors came together to create an institution that would support optometric education, vision science research and extend quality vision care to all New Yorkers and the surrounding community. The State University of New York College of Optometry evolved from this mission. Since we opened our doors to our first class of students in 1971, the College has grown to become one of the leading optometric education and vision research centers in the world. The College houses the University Eye Center — one of the largest outpatient vision care clinics in the country—and engages in cutting edge research that is helping to shape the future of optometric care.