Postdoctoral Scholar in Vision Science (Gilhooley Lab)

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar in Regenerative Therapy and Stem Cell Biology in Cornea Diseases Salary range: $69073 - $82836

Application Window

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 :

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Ph.D. in a related field for example: genetics, neurophysiology, circadian neurobiology, visual neuroscience, ophthalmology or the wider neurosciences.

Additional qualifications

Strong 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 requirements

• Cover 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.

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About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

Los Angeles, CA

Required

Preferred

Job Industries

• Other