Posted in Other 12 days ago.
Type: Full-Time
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A highly motivated full-time postdoctoral associate is sought in Dr. Yuanyuan Chen’s laboratory at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh. The Chen Lab uses pharmacological and molecular biological methods to study retinal degenerative diseases and to find new treatments. Specifically, the Chen Lab is looking for small molecules that upregulate protein homeostasis and those that mitigate retina immune responses. In particular, we use small molecule high-throughput screening, retina ex vivo culture, and in vivo mouse retinal morphology and physiology techniques to identify novel small molecules that repair defective homeostasis observed in cells with mutated rhodopsin. Further, the Chen lab is developing a new drug screening platform using retinal explants to find drugs that prevent retinal degermation. We aim to discover the most effective and potent compounds, characterize their metabolism and effects in mouse models of eye diseases, and develop an efficacious and safe treatment regimen that can be further tested in large animals and clinical trials. Dr. Chen’s lab is supported by NIH R01, Mellon Foundation, and the FFB TRAP award. More information about the Chen Lab is here: https://ivy00chen.wixsite.com/chenlab.
Recent peer-reviewed publications include:
1. Wang B, Arbuckle RK, Davoli KA, Clinger OD, Brown R, Sahel JA, Chen Y*, Pi S*. Compensation of inner retina to early-stage photoreceptor degeneration in a Rho(P23H/+) mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Exp Eye Res. 2024 Mar; 240:109826. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109826. PubMed PMID: 38340947.* Corresponding authors.
2. ?Vats A, Xi Y, Feng B, Clinger OD, St Leger AJ, Liu X, Ghosh A, Dermond CD, Lathrop KL, Tochtrop GP, Picaud S, Chen Y. Nonretinoid chaperones improve rhodopsin homeostasis in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. JCI Insight. 2022 May 23;7(10). doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.153717. PubMed PMID: 35472194; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9220944.
3. Liu X, Feng B, Vats A, Tang H, Seibel W, Swaroop M, Tawa G, Zheng W, Byrne L, Schurdak M, Chen Y.Pharmacological clearance of misfolded rhodopsin for the treatment of RHO-associated retinitis pigmentosa. FASEB J. 2020 Aug;34(8):10146-10167. doi: 10.1096/fj.202000282R. Epub 2020 Jun 14. PubMed PMID: 32536017; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7688577.
4. Xi Z, Vats A, Sahel JA, Chen Y, Byrne LC. Gene augmentation prevents retinal degeneration in a CRISPR/Cas9-based mouse model of PRPF31 retinitis pigmentosa. Nat Commun. 2022 Dec 13;13(1):7695. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35361-8. PubMed PMID: 36509783; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9744804.
The complete publication list of Dr. Chen can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/yuanyuan.chen.3/bibliography/public/
? The University of Pittsburgh provides an excellent environment to support diversity and international scientists. U Pitt ranks number 4 for NIH funding in the US. Pittsburgh is a vibrant and affordable city that offers a multitude of local amenities, including major league sports, a dynamic cultural district, and an old-world neighborhood charm. Rated the “Most Livable City” in the US by Forbes Magazine and the Economist, Pittsburgh is a great place to live and work.
The successful postdoc will be involved in an ongoing study of small molecules that improve misfolded protein homeostasis, and drug screening using a retinal explant platform. Qualified candidates are welcome to submit a PDF file including a cover letter describing research interest, strength, and previous accomplishments (1 -2 pages), a CV, and contacts of at least three references.
?Salary and benefits: NIH guidelines followed or more based on experience plus Fringe benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance. Trainees with ready-to-publish projects are supported to attend national meetings such as ARVO, FASEB, or RD meetings.
?Qualifications of the candidate:
• Highly interested in pharmacology and vision research.
• Ph.D. in pharmacology, biochemistry, pharmacy, neuroscience, or relevant field of biomedical sciences, or M.D. in Ophthalmology.
• At least one first-author publication in one of the following fields: Ophthalmology/Vision Science, Protein misfolding, pharmacology, neurodegeneration, or biochemistry.
• A highly motivated and responsible scientist with demonstrated capability of working independently with strong troubleshooting skills, quick learning, and teamwork spirit.
• Experience in the following techniques is preferred: cell culture, animal handling and breeding, mouse injection and dissection, HPLC, histology, confocal imaging, and/or molecular cloning.
. Qualified candidates are welcome to submit a PDF file including a cover letter describing research interest, strength, and previous accomplishments (1 -2 pages), CV, and contacts of at least three references to Dr. Chen (cheny1@pitt.edu).
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
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