Postdoctoral Scientist - Ophthalmology

Location: University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine. Open date: July 1, 2026. Funding: PI Fund/Philanthropic Fund. Number of positions: 1. Open to applications from U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.

About the role

The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine is seeking a full-time postdoctoral scientist to work under the direction of Principal Investigator Peter M.J. Quinn. The project focuses on using gene therapy to treat inherited retinal disorders (IRDs) through therapeutic editing and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) retinal organoid disease modeling. The role also involves assisting the PI with grant and manuscript writing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory research, troubleshoot problems, record and analyze data.
• Independently design new research experiments.
• Prepare publications, presentations, and grant materials as needed.
• Participate in the training and supervision of new and junior lab members.
• Provide scientific and technical expertise and guidance for other ongoing projects.
• Maintain induced pluripotent stem cell lines and differentiate/maintain retinal organoids from iPSCs.
• Perform cell and molecular biology experiments related to DNA, RNA, and protein from cell lines and organoids.
• Design and execute DNA and/or RNA editing experiments in cell lines and retinal organoids.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related science.
• Experience with induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiation to retinal organoids or other organoid models is highly desirable.
• Experience with DNA and/or RNA editing design and implementation is highly desirable.