Post Doc Scholar- Ophthalmology

About the Role

The Post Doctoral Scholar will pursue specialized research training, education, and experience under the guidance of a scientific mentor in the Department of Ophthalmology. Responsibilities include planning, designing, and executing experiments of considerable scope and complexity in the assigned research lab, as well as collecting and analyzing data for agency- and institution-sponsored research.

Responsibilities

• Identify and select research problems to be studied.
• Develop and troubleshoot new experimental techniques and protocols.
• Attend research seminars and contribute to manuscript preparation.
• Support technical writing and participate in preparation of grant applications for extramural funding.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in biology, bioengineering, or associated fields.
• Strong research skills, data analysis proficiency, and statistical expertise.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within diverse teams while demonstrating independent research capabilities.
• Strong trajectory toward research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Successful completion of a background check; may require a pre-employment physical, including a drug screen.

About the Lab

The Yang Laboratory at The Ohio State University is an NIH-funded research program focused on understanding the mechanisms of corneal nerve regeneration and ocular pain in the context of diabetes, ocular trauma, and other neuropathic diseases. The lab investigates how metabolic dysfunction and tissue injury impair corneal innervation, leading to chronic pain and sensory abnormalities, with the goal of developing innovative therapies to restore nerve function and improve patient outcomes.

The lab employs a highly interdisciplinary and translational research approach, integrating:

• Human iPSC-based models
• In vivo disease models
• Advanced Ca²⁺ imaging and confocal microscopy
• Molecular cloning and gene editing
• Behavioral phenotyping
• Functional assays of nerve regeneration and pain signaling
• Multi-omics technologies

The lab seeks to bridge fundamental neuroscience, stem cell biology, bioengineering, and clinical translation to accelerate the development of next-generation therapeutics for ocular neuropathic diseases.

Preferred Qualifications

Highly motivated trainees excited to work at the interface of neuroscience, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine are encouraged to apply. Applicants with a strong background in stem cell biology and neuroscience are especially preferred, and expertise in both areas is highly desirable.