Postdoctoral Associate - Department of Pediatrics, Boye Research Laboratory

The University of Florida, Department of Pediatrics, Boye Research Laboratory seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a team.

The postdoctoral associate will perform research in the laboratory of Dr. Shannon Boye in the Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, within the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Boye's research program focuses on developing viral vector-based gene therapies for the treatment of inherited ocular disease. The individual in this position will perform laboratory experiments using gene therapy applications and procedures established in this lab. They will be expected to assist others and independently troubleshoot simple to complex scientific issues. The position requires work with rodent animal models, histological work, and molecular/cellular work. They will be expected to be able to 1. Follow protocols to execute existing techniques; 2. Oversee the execution of assigned experiments; 3. Review, approve, or interpret scientific results; 4. Maintain a necessary rodent colony to achieve research objectives; 5. Conduct rodent procedures as necessary to complete research objectives 6. Present researching findings to Pl and at laboratory meetings; 7. Maintain laboratory safety programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques; 8. Actively participate in the writing of grants, papers, and statements of work.

The postdoctoral associate must be able to perform the following essential functions:

• Histological Work/Analysis: Collecting organs and other tissues and embedding the specimens for sectioning either with a microtome or cryotome (for frozen sections). Following the preparation of slides with sections tissues, staining with standard histology stains such as H&E, as well as with immunohistochemistry will be done. Conduct image capture and analysis of tissue following intervention studies.
• Molecular Techniques and Analysis: Molecular cloning, Plasmid purification, Primer design, RNA and DNA isolation, Isolating RNA and performing real-time PCR, and PCR genotyping of transgenic mouse lines; immunoassays to gene therapy vectors and transgenes, including ELISAs. This may include
  expansion/maintenance of cell lines and analysis of transfection/infection. Performing protein analysis by isolating protein of interest from cell or tissue lysates and performing/analyzing western blots.
• Animal Studies: Handling mice for setting up timed mating, weaning animals and colony maintenance. Will participate in treating animals with AAV vectors either through ocular, or systemic injection. In vivo analyses will include electoretinography, optical coherence tomography, fundoscopy, and visually guided behavior testing. Individual will play a key role in regulatory management (IACUCs).
• Disseminate Results: Individual will actively participate in the writing of manuscripts, grants, and statements of work and will present findings at scientific conferences.
• Regulatory Compliance: Individual will ensure that laboratory is compliant with governing rules and regulations. Coordinate all IACUC submissions/renewals. Ensure all EH&S standards are met. Train/ensure new laboratory members to ensure compliance standards are met.
• Training: Train and supervise graduate and undergraduate students performing diagnostic procedures related to gene therapy experiments.

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience; includes a generous benefits package.

PhD in the appropriate area of specialization.

Candidate should have a strong background in molecular biology, in vivo work, histology, AAV, the ability to independently and efficiently carry out a project, and a strong work ethic. Preference will be given to applicants that have demonstrated the ability to work as part of a collaborative team and have a strong interest in translational research. Experience with outcome measures in rodent models (ERG, OCT, fundoscopy, behavior testing), gene therapy and/or virology are a plus.