Post Doctoral Scientist - Gene Therapy

About the Role

The Rashnonejad Lab is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented postdoc to join our team focused on developing AAV gene therapies for neuromuscular/neurological disorders. The successful candidate will work independently on multiple projects in a dynamic, highly productive environment. This appointment is a maximum of 7 years in length.

Responsibilities

• Designs experiments, develops protocols, and conducts research under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
• Assists in the training and supervision of technical support staff in performing specific techniques essential to carrying out the research program.
• Records and analyzes data generated by the research study.
• Assists in the development of hypotheses for further investigation from the results of the studies performed.
• Assists with the preparation of scientific and technical papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Presents findings at local and national research forums.
• Collaborates with other ongoing research efforts either at NCH or at The Ohio State University.
• Works toward research independence, preparing to submit proposals to and obtain funding from external granting agencies.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant field of science.
• Research experience from PhD program, particularly in AAV, gene therapy, neuromuscular science, and iPSC-derived 3D organoid models.

Skills

• Effective interpersonal skills in interactions with scientists, physicians, and laboratory colleagues.
• Excellent laboratory technical skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Ability to proactively manage and drive projects.
• Strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Daily record-keeping, problem-solving, intellectual curiosity, and continuous learning.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally: Bend/twist, climb stairs/ladder, lifting/carrying 11-20 lbs.
• Frequently: Lifting/carrying 0-10 lbs, standing, walking.
• Continuously: Audible speech, color vision, computer skills, decision making, depth perception, flexing/extending of neck, hand use (grasping, gripping, turning), hearing acuity, interpreting data, peripheral vision, problem solving, reaching above shoulder, repetitive hand/arm use, seeing (far/near), sitting, squat/kneel.

Workload will be heavy but manageable most of the time, with pressure varying depending on deadlines associated with research and manuscript writing.