Postdoctoral Scholar Positions in Stem Cell-Based Therapy

Postdoctoral scholar positions are available in Dr. Sophie Deng’s laboratory, the Cornea Cell Biology Laboratory, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles to study corneal stem cells with an emphasis on translational application and therapeutic development. There two main areas of research. One aims to investigate the molecular regulation of human limbal stem cells. One project focuses on elucidating the role of Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in the regulation of human limbal epithelial stem cell proliferation and differentiation in cell culture models and in animal model. The other area of research is identification of limbal stem cell biomarkers. The successful candidates will also assist with the ongoing phase I clinical trial which investigates the safety and feasibility of cultivated limbal stem cells to treat limbal stem cell deficiency. The second area of research aims to elucidate the function of extracellular vesicles (exosomes) derived from mesenchymal stem cells in corneal wound healing. The research also involves characterization and further functional studies of these extracellular vesicles in vitro and in vivo.

The candidate will benefit from a highly collaborative and diverse team of investigators at UCLA including experts in vision research, bioengineering, stem cell transplantation, manufacturing, regulatory and computational immunology at the University of California Los Angeles.

Qualified candidates should have a PhD and/or MD with a strong background in cell biology and molecular biology. We are seeking an independent, responsible and motivated individual with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Please send a cover letter, CV and names of three references to Dr. Sophie Deng at deng@jsei.ucla.edu .

University of California is an Equal Opportunity advancing inclusive excellence. 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 categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy