Researcher 4 - Surgery

Job Summary 
The Department of Surgery at Quillen College of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Fellow to join our dynamic research team focused on Aging Retinal Biology. In this role, the Postdoctoral Fellow will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) to support NIH-funded research objectives aimed at advancing our understanding of retinal aging mechanisms and related pathologies.

Key responsibilities include the daily management of research activities, encompassing data collection, analysis, interpretation, and documentation. The successful candidate will play an integral role in guiding graduate and undergraduate students, as well as summer medical students, in their research projects. Additionally, the Fellow will contribute to maintaining animal models, and tissue culture, and performing advanced techniques such as flow cytometry, imaging cytometry, and confocal microscopy.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with a team of dedicated scientists, and contribute to the broader scientific community through impactful discoveries in aging retinal biology.          

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities   

The successful applicant for the Postdoctoral Fellow position in Aging Retinal Biology will demonstrate a robust set of knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for conducting cutting-edge research in the field. These include:

• Small Animal Experimentation: Proficiency in handling and conducting research with small animal models, including experience with animal models of infection and cardiovascular function.
• Cellular and Molecular Techniques: Extensive experience in studying monocyte/macrophage and endothelial cell functions, with a strong background in flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), immunoblotting (Western blotting), and cell sorting.
• Microscopy Expertise: Advanced skills in confocal microscopy to visualize cellular structures and interactions at the microscopic level.
• Tissue Culture: Expertise in maintaining and culturing primary cells and cell lines to support experimental workflows.
• Genetic Manipulation: Hands-on experience with genetic manipulation of cells, including techniques such as CRISPR, RNA interference, or viral vector-mediated gene delivery.
• Molecular Biology and Cellular Signaling: In-depth understanding of molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, cloning) and cellular signaling pathways relevant to aging and retinal biology.
• Epigenetics: Familiarity with epigenetic modifications and their potential role in retinal aging and disease mechanisms.

Required Qualifications 

• Educational Background: MD, Ph.D., or equivalent degree in a relevant field of study (e.g., Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related disciplines).
• Experience in Animal Research: Demonstrated experience with small animal experimentation, specifically in infection and cardiovascular function models.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including cellular signaling pathways, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and tissue culture.
• Research Skills: Strong background in handling and analyzing data from complex experimental setups, particularly those involving cellular and molecular research.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in human genetics, molecular biology, or biomedical sciences.   

Compensation & Benefits   

• Job Family – Researcher 3
• Market Range – 7
• For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.   

Application Instructions   

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.

• Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

• Please attach the following documents: Cover Letter, Resume, and Research Portfolio

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Overview (as needed) 

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.