Research Fellow - Chekuri Lab
Mass General Brigham
Summary
The Chekuri Lab is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join an NIH-funded research program focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of inherited retinal degenerative diseases and developing genetic therapies for these conditions. The project uses mouse models, retinal cell and molecular biology approaches, ocular genomics, and AAV-based strategies to study disease mechanisms and evaluate therapeutic approaches.
Job description
Position Summary
The Chekuri Lab is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join an NIH-funded research program focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of inherited retinal degenerative diseases and developing genetic therapies for these conditions. The project uses mouse models, retinal cell and molecular biology approaches, ocular genomics, and AAV-based strategies to study disease mechanisms and evaluate therapeutic approaches.
The postdoctoral fellow will lead a mentored research project involving in vitro and in vivo experiments, molecular and functional outcome analyses, data presentation, manuscript preparation, and collaborative project development. This position is a good fit for a candidate interested in retinal degeneration, ocular genomics, gene therapy, and translational vision research.
The lab is based at the Schepens Eye Research Institute in the Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center and has close associations with the Ocular Genomics Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. The fellow will be part of a highly collaborative vision research community with access to resources in retinal disease genetics, ocular gene therapy, genomics, imaging, animal models, and translational research.
Essential Functions
- Review and summarize relevant literature in retinal degeneration, ocular genomics, and gene therapy.
- Design, perform, and troubleshoot in vitro and in vivo experiments.
- Work with mouse models, retinal/RPE tissues, cell-based systems, and molecular biology assays.
- Analyze molecular, histological, imaging, functional, and genomic data.
- Maintain organized experimental records, protocols, and data files.
- Meet regularly with the mentor to review progress and project milestones.
- Present findings in lab meetings, seminars, conferences, and project discussions.
- Contribute to manuscripts, abstracts, posters, reports, and grant-related materials.
- Attend ARVO meetings, seminars, and training opportunities.
Education and Experience
Doctoral degree (MD or PhD)
Working Conditions
Lab setting.
Physical Requirements
Possible lifting of 10 to 20 lbs., depending on nature of chosen project(s).
Requirements
- Doctoral degree (MD or PhD) or equivalent
- Experience with mouse models
- Experience with molecular biology assays
- Strong interest in translational vision research
Company overview
Mass General Brigham is one of the largest integrated healthcare delivery systems in the United States, formed through the merger of Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, this academic medical center system operates multiple hospitals, specialty facilities, and community health centers throughout New England. The organization is renowned for its world-class patient care, cutting-edge medical research, and comprehensive medical education programs. As a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Mass General Brigham trains the next generation of healthcare professionals while advancing medical science through groundbreaking research initiatives. The system provides a full continuum of healthcare services, from primary care and preventive medicine to complex specialty treatments and emergency services. With a focus on innovation and patient-centered care, Mass General Brigham consistently ranks among the top hospital systems in the nation for clinical excellence and research output.