Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate

The University of Pittsburgh, Ophthalmology Department is searching for Post Doctoral Associate. The placement will be in the Dr Ait ALi lab with goals and duties including:

Project 1: Validate engineered RdCVF binders by quantitative multiplexed mass spectrometry and deploy the top candidates as first-in-class reagents for spatial detection and interactome mapping of endogenous RdCVF in retinal tissue.

• Project 2: Identify and mechanistically characterize gene-agnostic small-molecule photoreceptor protectants via high-throughput NCATS screening, chemoproteomic target deconvolution, and in vivo MSI validation.

• Project 3: Retarget the Project 2 screening pipeline to find small molecules that induce NXNL1 intron retention (RdCVF expression) in cones — mimicking NCL's action on the NHIS hairpin — using the lab's existing splicing reporter and NHIS-mutant mouse infrastructure.

Essential Skills (must have at entry)

• Mass Spectrometry & Quantitative Analytical Chemistry

• High-Throughput Screening & Drug Discovery

• Cell Biology & Tissue-Based Assays

• Experimental Design, Data Analysis & Communication

Strongly Preferred Skills —

• retinal biology,

• MS imaging,

• protein interactions/affinity reagents, and

• alternative splicing/RNA-binding protein familiarity.

Qualifications: PhD in Chemistry, Biology or similar field. 2 years experience in Ophthalmic research or similar

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.