Post Doctoral Fellow, Metabolic & Rare Disease Research Laboratory

Work Location: Orange, California

Work Shift: Day – 08hrs

About the role

At CHOC, we strive to be the leading destination of children’s health by providing exceptional and innovative care. We are responsible for the overall health of our community’s pediatric population in our hospitals, clinics, and practices. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will contribute significantly to NIH- and foundation-funded research programs while supporting our mission to improve the lives of children affected by rare genetic diseases.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the CHOC Metabolic and Rare Disease Research Laboratory. This fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to lead and contribute to cutting-edge preclinical research focused on therapeutic discovery and validation for rare pediatric diseases. The Postdoctoral Fellow will play a key role in advancing complex animal studies, biochemical analyses, histopathology, and therapeutic development.

Our laboratory is dedicated to investigating pediatric metabolic and genetic disorders, with a primary focus on lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) such as mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), Pompe disease, and Batten disease. Under the mentorship of a nationally recognized research leader, our team bridges basic science with clinical applications, emphasizing gene therapy, genome editing, and the creation of innovative preclinical models to explore emerging therapeutic strategies for these devastating conditions.

This fellowship is ideal for a driven, curious, and collaborative scientist eager to deepen their expertise in translational research. The ideal candidate will be independent, well-organized, and proactive, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact research environment. If you are passionate about advancing innovative pediatric research and helping bring transformative therapies from the laboratory to clinical care, this position provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to cutting-edge preclinical research focused on therapeutic discovery and validation for rare pediatric diseases.
• Advance complex animal studies, biochemical analyses, histopathology, and therapeutic development.
• Investigate pediatric metabolic and genetic disorders, with a focus on lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) such as mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), Pompe disease, and Batten disease.
• Develop and explore gene therapy, genome editing, and innovative preclinical models.
• Contribute to NIH- and foundation-funded research programs.

Requirements

• Doctorate Degree.
• Able to think critically; work independently; manage multiple assignments; compose written material; work well under pressure; problem solve; organize and prioritize workload; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail.
• Able to relate and communicate positively, effectively, and professionally with others; provide leadership; be assertive and consistent in enforcing policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; lead, supervise, teach, and collaborate; accept direction.

Skills

• Critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Independent work and time management.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Leadership and teamwork.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks.

Work Environment

Functional Demand: Light - Moderate energy level.

• Lift and carry 25-35 lbs.
• Push/pull 50-100 lbs. (e.g., empty bed, stretcher).
• Physical activities include: Bending, carrying objects, climbing, keyboard use/repetitive motion, pinching/fine motor activities, push/pull, reaching forward, reaching overhead, sitting, squat/kneel/crawl, standing, talking or hearing, tasting or smelling, twisting, walking, wrist position deviation.
• Lifting requirements:
  • Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Constant 67% or more.
  • Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Frequent 36-66%.
  • Lifting (Floor to waist level) - Occasional 0-35%.
  • Lifting (Waist level and above) - Constant 67% or more.
  • Lifting (Waist level and above) - Frequent 36-66%.
  • Lifting (Waist level and above) - Occasional 0-35%.
• Sensory requirements: Color discrimination, depth perception, far vision, hearing, near vision.
• Environmental conditions: Airborne communicable disease, bloodborne pathogens, chemical exposure, dust particulate matter, extreme noise levels, extreme temperatures, radiation, uneven surfaces or elevations.

Pay

Pay Range:

• Minimum: $67,579
• Midpoint: $89,544
• Maximum: $111,488

Rate of pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, education, as well as position requirements.