Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scientist position within the Department of Ophthalmology. The candidate will be part of the research team of Dr. Lucie Guo, MD, PhD, and will engage in cutting-edge research integrating molecular biology, epigenetics, gene therapy, and ophthalmology.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in building his/her own research identity in the field of vision research, translational medicine, genome engineering, and gene therapies.
Postdoctoral Scientist Position Overview
The postdoctoral fellow will be engaged in a teamwork laboratory setting along with guidance in planning experiments, communicating science, writing grants, and developing their career. Additionally, you can discuss personalized goals for research and career development with the PI.
Research environment and scientific focus
The lab research integrates basic knowledge in molecular biology with clinical issues in ophthalmology. It provides a unique chance for postdoctoral researchers to research gene regulation, epigenetics, genome engineering, viral vector-based techniques, and ocular disease modeling.
This position would be especially appealing to those scientists who need to gain more experience in the field of translational research. Scientists will have a chance to combine cellular and molecular research, animal experiments, imaging, and quantitative analysis in order to study biological processes connected with eye health or disease.
It is required that a candidate carry out independent research as well as collaborate with other laboratory members, clinicians, and research partners. Participation in laboratory meetings, seminars at the department, and scientific conferences will constitute an essential component of research training.
Postdoctoral Scientist Position Key responsibilities
The postdoctoral scientist will be expected to design, execute, analyze, and communicate rigorous scientific studies. Major responsibilities include:
- Working independently to conduct lab research using molecular cloning, cell and tissue culture, transfection, genome engineering using CRISPR technology, flow cytometry, and molecular/biochemical assays.
- Designing and optimizing experimental protocols, troubleshooting problems, and maintaining meticulous record-keeping of experimental methods and results.
- Conducting experiments on animals using mouse models, tissue preparation, eye imaging, histology, and molecular analysis.
- Statistical and quantitative analysis of experimental data.
- Literature review of new scientific discoveries and incorporation of new concepts and technologies in experimental design.
- Generation of figures, abstracts, manuscripts, and other scientific writing for journal publications.
- Oral presentation of progress in research in laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, collaboration meetings, and scientific conferences.
- Funding applications such as fellowships, grants, and other forms of funding applications.
- Junior researchers mentoring and training.
- Maintaining productivity, organization, and reproducibility in research.
Postdoctoral Scientist qualifications
The applicant needs to have a PhD in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, pharmacology, molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, vision science, biomedical engineering, or any other related field.
The department is looking for an enthusiastic and well-organized researcher who has excellent knowledge and experience in designing experiments, analyzing data, communicating research results, and interpreting research results. It is expected that the applicant is capable of working on his/her own and with a multidisciplinary research team.
It is preferred if the candidate has experience in any of the following fields:
- Techniques employed in molecular biology such as molecular cloning, PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence.
- Mammalian cell and tissue culture, transfection, and development and/or use of cell-based assays.
- Genome editing or gene regulation using CRISPR technologies, such as designing and validating guide RNA sequences.
- Designing, preparation, and use of viral vectors, especially adeno-associated viral vectors.
- Animal experimentation using mouse models, including tissue harvest, genotyping, injection, imaging, and surgical procedures.
- Microscopy, histology, image analysis, and quantitative data analysis.
Preference will be given to applicants with a solid publication track record and an inclination towards having an independent career in science or academia. Rigor, reproducibility, research documentation, and data tracking need to be demonstrated by the applicant.
Application materials
All applications must be submitted via the Interfolio Faculty Search site. Please ensure that the following documents have been prepared for submission:
- Cover letter explaining research interests and project proposals.
- Curriculum vitae or NIH biosketch.
- Name and contact information of two or three professional references.
A free dossier account is provided for applicants who will apply using the Interfolio Faculty Search site.
Tips for a strong application
A well-crafted cover letter might be useful in establishing your suitability for this job. In addition to merely mentioning your skills, describe how your prior research experience makes you suited for helping the lab in its research areas of molecular biology, gene therapy, epigenetics, and ophthalmology.
Those who have skills in genome editing, cell culture, viral vectors, animal models, microscopy, molecular analyses, or data analysis should briefly mention the following:
- Research question or problem being investigated in past studies.
- Experimental techniques and models employed.
- Major results, papers, or technical advances.
- How the experience could be applied to future studies in ophthalmology or gene therapy.
- One or two possible research interests in line with the scientific focus of the laboratory.
Applicants in related fields like biomedical engineering, neuroscience, pharmacology, biophysics, and molecular genetics could also have a shot if they manage to convincingly argue about how their expertise is applicable in the area.
How to apply for the Postdoctoral Scientist Position
Interested applicants should submit their materials through the official Interfolio portal:
APPLY HEREThis job posting became available on August 12, 2026. Since there is no deadline mentioned for this job, one needs to apply quickly and also check for any other requirements from the official application website.
Final thoughts for the Postdoctoral Scientist Position
The postdoc position available in the Department of Ophthalmology and the Center for Epigenetics and Stem Cell Research at the University of Pennsylvania offers a great platform for researchers who want training in molecular ophthalmology, epigenetics, genome editing, gene therapy, and translational biomedical research. It involves working independently while getting mentorship and learning scientific communication and grant-writing skills.
Postdoctoral Scientist Position FAQ
What is the University of Pennsylvania postdoctoral scientist position?
The applicant will hold a full-time research fellowship position at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology. The applicant will work in the laboratory of Dr. Lucie Guo, MD, PhD, conducting research projects in molecular biology, epigenetics, gene therapy, and ophthalmology.
Who is eligible to apply?
The ideal candidate would have obtained his/her PhD from a related area like biology, biochemistry, biophysics, pharmacology, molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, vision science, or biomedical engineering.
Is prior ophthalmology experience required?
Previous experience in ophthalmology is not specifically mentioned as one of the requirements. Instead, the candidate should be able to provide evidence of previous lab research experience and show how his/her expertise can contribute to research in molecular ophthalmology or ocular diseases.
What laboratory skills are preferred?
The role specifically seeks individuals who have expertise in molecular cloning, PCR, quantitative PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, mammalian cell culture, transfection, genome editing using CRISPR, viral vectors, animal models, microscopy, histology, image analysis, and data analysis.
Is CRISPR experience necessary?
CRISPR technology that involves genome editing or regulation is considered to be an important skill, especially the design and testing of guide RNAs. It may improve the strength of your application, although a candidate with good experience in other technologies may equally fit in.
Is experience with AAV vectors preferred?
Yes. Experience in designing, manufacturing, and application of viral vectors, especially adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV), is considered desirable because it relates to gene therapy studies.
Does the role involve animal research?
Yes. The postdoctoral scientist will carry out animal research in a mouse model. This may entail collecting tissues, genotyping, injection work, ocular imaging, histological analysis, molecular analysis, and surgery.
What does the position involve besides laboratory experiments?
Responsibilities include planning of experiments, designing protocols, troubleshooting problems, analyzing data, literature search, writing papers and figures, presentations at scientific meetings, writing fellowships and grants, collaboration, and mentoring junior members of the laboratory.
What application documents are required?
Applicants must submit:
- Letter of intent explaining research interests and ideas for projects
- Curriculum Vitae/Biosketch
- Contact details for at least two professional referees
What should be included in the cover letter?
The letter of intent should describe your research background, technical skills and experience, experience in publishing or doing projects, and interest in molecular biology, epigenetics, gene therapy, and ophthalmology. You can also suggest project ideas that you are willing to pursue in the laboratory.
Is an NIH biosketch accepted instead of a CV?
Yes. According to the job listing, applicants can choose between providing either a curriculum vitae or an NIH biosketch.
How many references are needed?
Two or three references must be provided by the applicants. These must be referees who can give opinions regarding their abilities as researchers, technical expertise, independence, communication, and career growth potential.
Is there an application fee for the postdoctoral scientist position?
No. As mentioned in the job advertisement, candidates get access to a free Interfolio Dossier, and there is no fee to submit the application along with the letters of recommendation.
Is there a stated application deadline for the postdoctoral scientist position?
There is no deadline mentioned in the job information. Postdoc applications tend to close once an appropriate candidate is found. It is therefore advisable for candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.
How can I apply for the postdoctoral scientist position?
Applications must be submitted through Interfolio Faculty Search using the official application portal above.
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