Postdoctoral Fellow

The Department of Biological and Vision Science at State University of New York College of Optometry, New York City, New York, is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct research.

The lab focuses on the following research areas:

• Understanding the role of organelle dysfunction-mediated inflammation in early/dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis.
• Evaluating the role of environmental risk factors in regulating the peripheral immune system during early/dry AMD pathogenesis.
• Evaluating the role of immune cell interactions in aging and retinal degeneration.

The lab utilizes cutting-edge in vitro and in vivo model systems to pinpoint the underlying signaling pathways as therapeutic targets to delay the progression of AMD. Early/dry AMD is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and is governed by both genetic and environmental factors and with very limited prevention or treatment options at present. With the human life span increasing, managing AMD is ever more important to the affected patient and as a significant public health problem that costs $30 billion/year.

Qualification:

• Ph.D. in any biological discipline with less than 1 year of post-Ph.D. research experience.
• Prior experience with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and/or retinal cell biology is preferred.

Requirements:

• Applicants should be highly motivated, organized and enjoy teamwork.
• Prior experience working with mouse models and efficient mouse maintenance, genotyping and breeding knowledge is required.
• Well-qualified applicants should be proficient in basic molecular and cell biology assays like cloning, western blot, mammalian cell culture (expertise with iPSC culture/differentiation is preferred), qPCR, cryo-sectioning, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, etc.
• Experience with biological data analysis software (GraphPad etc.) and the ability to write manuscripts for publication in scientific journals is essential.
• Good communication skills and the ability to present his/her work in seminars and at major scientific meetings is a must.

Start date: April 1, 2026. The position is funded for two years with provisions of further extension based on performance and productivity.

Application deadline: December 15, 2025.

This position is funded through the Research Foundation of the State University of New York. The Annual Salary range will be in accordance with NIH Pay scales.

Click here to apply online:

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.

About SUNY College of Optometry:

The State University of New York College of Optometry advances visual health and patient care through leadership in education, research and service. More than a half century ago a group of dedicated optometrists and benefactors came together to create an institution that would support optometric education, vision science research and extend quality vision care to all New Yorkers and the surrounding community. The State University of New York College of Optometry evolved from this mission. Since we opened our doors to our first class of students in 1971, the College has grown to become one of the leading optometric education and vision research centers in the world. The College houses the University Eye Center — one of the largest outpatient vision care clinics in the country—and engages in cutting edge research that is helping to shape the future of optometric care.