Postdoctoral Fellow, Spine Development & Regeneration

Postdoctoral Fellow position is available in the “Spine Development and Regeneration” laboratory of Dr. Chitra Dahia, to understand the cellular and molecular basis of intervertebral disc degeneration and associated back pain that affects millions of people worldwide, and to develop strategies for disc regeneration. The goal of our current research is to determine the role of crucial developmental signaling pathways, and crosstalk between these pathways in regulating the growth and maturation of postnatal intervertebral disc. The research will employ novel genetic mouse models, organ culture systems, and surgical pre-clinical rodent model systems and multi-omics analysis. The long-term goal of the research program is to identify biological approaches for disc therapy and treatment of disc related disorders like chronic lower back pain. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Design and execute experimental procedures/protocols in research involving cell and molecular biology techniques, tissue culture, histology and immunological assay, polarizing and fluorescence microscopy, and animal model system. Collecting, analyzing and reporting on experimental data to the Principal Investigator on a timely manner. Maintain accurate and detailed records and databases of all laboratory work and experiments. Apply standard scientific protocols to experiments, research and improve current methods, and develop, set-up, and verify new procedures in the laboratory. Standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques. Develop new assays and new protocols for research. Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Timely compile, present and discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Principal Investigator. Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Maintain and monitor proper use of laboratory equipment by personnel. Draft, write, and edit scientific papers, journal articles, abstracts and progress reports related to the work. Maintain an integral role in the laboratory's meetings, departmental seminars, presentations, and publications. Organization, and recording of research material inventory, and placing order for research reagent in a timely manner Completion of all trainings related to work in a timely manner, including C14, animal usage, handling hazardous material, laboratory safety. Participate in establishing job requirements and goals; perform duties at the desired level of competency. Qualifications Candidate must have a Ph.D. degree in Developmental Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology or Biochemistry will be desirable. Expertise in mouse genetics, microscopy, gold-stand techniques of cell and molecular biology, data science and computational biology and writing skills is required. First author peer-reviewed publications are required. Postdocs will be eligible for a Postdoctoral position in the Weill Cornell Medical College. Other Requirements LI-Onsite Pay Range - Minimum USD $50,000.00/Yr. Pay Range - Maximum USD $60,000.00/Yr. #J-18808-Ljbffr Hospital for Special Surgery