Ophthalmology (Instructor)

An Instructor position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Yuqing Huo within the Department of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine. The successful candidate will lead research projects investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying retinopathy, pathological retinal angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, inflammation, and subretinal fibrosis.

About the role

The candidate will define disease-associated cellular niches and cell–cell interactions in rodent models of retinopathy. Research will integrate single-cell and spatial omics, transcriptomic analyses, advanced imaging, and functional studies to characterize key cell populations, including endothelial cells, macrophages, microglia, astrocytes, retinal pigment epithelial cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts. Two-photon microscopy and complementary imaging approaches will be used to study cellular dynamics, vascular responses, and neurovascular interactions in vivo.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and conducts advanced research projects focused on retinopathy, pathological retinal angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, inflammation, and subretinal fibrosis.
• Develops and applies rodent models of retinal vascular disease, including oxygen-induced retinopathy, laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, diabetic retinopathy, and other relevant models.
• Uses single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, bulk transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and related omics approaches to define cellular states, disease-associated pathways, and cellular niches in the retina and choroid.
• Integrates transcriptomic and spatial datasets with histological, imaging, and functional measurements.
• Applies two-photon microscopy and other advanced imaging technologies to study cellular behavior, vascular remodeling, neurovascular interactions, and disease progression in vivo.
• Performs retinal and choroidal tissue preparation, flat-mount staining, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, image acquisition, and quantitative image analysis.
• Conducts mechanistic studies involving endothelial cells, macrophages, microglia, astrocytes, retinal pigment epithelial cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts.
• Develops computational and experimental strategies to identify cell–cell communication networks and signaling pathways within pathological retinal niches.
• Designs and performs studies using genetically modified mice, viral-vector approaches, lineage tracing, cell-specific gene targeting, and pharmacological interventions.
• Evaluates and analyzes experimental data and develops follow-up studies based on research findings.
• Establishes, validates, and optimizes new research protocols and technologies required for specific research projects.
• Summarizes research findings and prepares manuscripts for publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Presents research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and national and international scientific conferences.
• Writes and submits grant proposals and contributes to progress reports, research protocols, and collaborative funding applications.
• Develops an independent research direction that complements the laboratory’s ongoing retinal and vascular biology programs.
• Supervises and mentors postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, research assistants, and other junior research personnel.
• Coordinates collaborative projects involving investigators in ophthalmology, vascular biology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, imaging, and computational biology.
• Maintains accurate research records and ensures compliance with institutional requirements for animal research, laboratory safety, data management, and research integrity.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in ophthalmology, neuroscience, vascular biology, molecular and cellular biology, physiology, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of five years of relevant laboratory research experience following completion of the doctoral degree.
• Demonstrated research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience in experimental design, quantitative data analysis, scientific writing, and manuscript preparation.
• Ability to conduct research independently and contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior research personnel.