Postdoctoral Scholar in Vision Science (Gilhooley Lab)
The University of California, Los Angeles
About this position
Position Overview
Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar in Regenerative Therapy and Stem Cell Biology in Cornea Diseases Salary range: $69073 - $82836
Application Deadline
Open date: May 15, 2026 Next review date:Monday, Jun 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description
The Gilhooley lab at the University of California, Los Angeles, is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral scholars with expertise in circadian neurobiology, mitochondrial biology or retinal and optic nerve to drive discoveries towards novel neuroprotective therapies for optic nerve disease. The group focuses on the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells of the optic nerve (ipRGCs) - particularly the mechanisms by which ipRGCs demonstrate marked resistance to inherited (mitochondrial) optic neuropathies. In this endeavor, we combine multiple approaches, making use of both patient derived iPSC lines and advanced animal models with the application of multiple advanced imaging & electrophysiology methods among other techniques. Uncovering why ipRGCs survive preferentially compared to other, more common, RGC types in disease is one of the core missions of the laboratory and is essential to develop novel treatments for these blinding diseases. Why Join us? As a postdoctoral fellow, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative research, collaborate with top scientists, and develop novel experimental approaches to retinal ganglion cell survival. We are committed to fostering the academic and professional growth of our fellows in a dynamic and supportive research environment. Fellows will have access to state-of-the-art computational and experimental tools, mentorship from experts across disciplines, and opportunities to present their work at prestigious conferences and in high-impact journals. In addition, the strong clinical links of the group give opportunity for direct collaboration with clinicians working in the area. Responsibilities: Lead projects to develop, validate and investigate models (cellular and/or animal) relating to ipRGC survival in the context of inherited mitochondrial optic neuropathies. Acquire, process, integrate, and explore datasets from imaging, electrophysiology, metabolomic and transcriptomic studies based on such models. Analyze such data and present conclusions at internal and external meetings. Prepare and submit findings for publication in the scientific literature. Lab: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/michael-gilhooley
Qualifications
Basic qualificationsPh.D. in a related field for example: genetics, neurophysiology, circadian neurobiology, visual neuroscience, ophthalmology or the wider neurosciences. Additional qualificationsStrong experience in “wet lab” based research in areas such as electrophysiology, light or electron microscopy, animal models or iPSC work; ideally within the wider neurosciences. Excellent communication and writing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team.
Application Requirements
Document requirementsCover Letter (Optional) Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Statement of Research Reference requirements 2 required (contact information only) We will only contact references with your permission. Apply link:https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF11013 Help contact:pjlopez@mednet.ucla.edu