Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Mikedis Nicholson) Spermatogensis

About the Role

Dr. Mikedis Nicholson is looking for a motivated candidate to join her laboratory as a postdoctoral research fellow. The laboratory is particularly interested in how the post-transcriptional control of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) facilitates two distinct stages of development: (1) spermatogonial stem cell differentiation into mitotically dividing progenitors, and (2) progenitors' initiation of meiosis. One of Dr. Mikedis Nicholson's major discoveries is that spermatogonial stem cells require DAZL, an RNA-binding protein, to produce a large progenitor pool. DAZL facilitates progenitor expansion by increasing the translation of its mRNA targets.

This is a full-time, day-shift position (40 hours/week, 1.0 FTE) located in the DB – Mikedis department. Employee status: Regular.

Responsibilities

• Develop the skills and knowledge (critical thinking and analysis of data, devising specific aims, long-term project planning and experimental design) to become an independent scientist.
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments, and analyze data, which may affect decisions regarding future patient care.
• Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques; ensure protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks.
• Implement this knowledge in the Division/Department.
• Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment.
• Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis.
• Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and meetings.
• Develop skills to critically review and discuss data being presented.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants.
• Assume progressively increasing responsibilities with mentorship of research staff and fiscal administration.
• Maintain currency in field through continuing education, literature, and seminars; be an active participant in intellectual discussions with PI and other faculty, trainees, and research staff.
• Solicit feedback on career trajectory from PI, mentoring committee, and others who can provide coaching and insight.
• Attend required Cincinnati Children’s training sessions and ensure regulatory compliance with all institutional (e.g., Infection Control, ORCRA, and others as applicable) policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

PhD, MD, or equivalent degree.

About Cincinnati Children's

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose.

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10 best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years.
• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding.
• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025) and America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025).
• Named one of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies by Fortune.
• Consistently certified as a great place to work.
• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability.
• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

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