Postdoctoral Position in Glaucoma Mechanobiology

A postdoctoral position is currently available at the Soft Tissue Biomechanics Laboratory (STBL) in the Department of Bioengineering under the direction of Professor Jonathan Vande Geest. The STBL is currently developing a novel platform to study the mechanobiology of the optic nerve head in primary open angle glaucoma that seamlessly integrates state of the art techniques in regenerative medicine, 3D bioprinting, and intravital imaging. The long term goal of the STBL is to utilize this novel platform to improve the mechanistic understanding of how optic nerve head extracellular matrix remodeling is linked to retinal ganglion cell death and vision loss and if this understanding can be leveraged to discover the next generation of novel therapeutic targets for glaucoma.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Bioengineering or Cell Biology or related field. A strong background in biology is preferred, including experience with cell and molecular biology quantitative assay development and optimization. Candidates will also be considered who have a strong computational/mathematical background with experience in mechanistic modeling of extracellular matrix remodeling. This will remain open until filled.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will work in a collaborative environment and interact with an interdisciplinary group of scientists and clinicians. In particular, the candidate will work closely with clinician scientists in the Department of Ophthalmology as well as STBL collaborators in the McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration. The city of Pittsburgh is one of the “most livable” cities in the US and is a leader in medicine, engineering and high-tech industries.

Please visit our website (www.stblvandegeest.com) to further explore ongoing research in the STBL. Interested applicants should submit a CV, statement of research interest and purpose, Unofficial copy of full UG and Grad transcripts, and the contact information for three references to: Jonathan P. Vande Geest, Professor jpv20@pitt.edu using the subject line “STBL Postdoctoral Position Application”

The Department of Bioengineering is strongly committed to a diverse academic environment and places high priority on attracting female and underrepresented minority candidates. We strongly encourage candidates from these groups to apply for the position. 

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.