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We are seeking talented and self-motivated postdoctoral scholars to join our team in the Cornea Cell Biology Laboratory at the Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles to investigate corneal stem cells and corneal diseases with an emphasis on translational application and therapeutic development.

The Cornea Biology Laboratory, under the direction of Sophie Deng, MD, PhD, studies corneal stem cells aiming to develop novel therapies for the treatment of corneal diseases. One research program investigates the microenvironment/niche of human limbal stem cells to elucidate those factors that govern the fate of limbal stem cells and pathophysiology of limbal stem cell deficiency. The role of Wnt signal transduction pathway in human limbal stem/progenitor cells is under investigation and small molecules that modulate Wnt signaling are being investigated to increase the ex vivo expansion of limbal stem cells for transplantation. The second research program investigates the function of extracellular vesicles (exosomes) derived from mesenchymal stem cells in corneal stromal wound healing. The studies also involve characterization and further functional studies of these extracellular vesicles in cell-based assays and in animal models.

The Deng research team is currently conducting a Phase I clinical trial (NCT03957954) to investigate the safety and feasibility of cultivated limbal stem cells to treat limbal stem cell deficiency. In parallel, the Deng team is conducting the preclinical studies on developing extracellular vesicles to treat corneal scarring. Both research programs are funded by the National Eye Institute and California Institute For Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

Qualified candidates should have a PhD and/or MD with a strong background in cell biology and molecular biology and demonstrated a record of achievement in research. We are seeking an independent, responsible and motivated individual with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (both verbal and written). The successful candidates will conduct research in one of the two research programs and assist with the ongoing phase I clinical trial.

Please send a cover letter, CV and names of three references to Dr. Sophie Deng at deng@jsei.ucla.edu and Dr. Sheyla Gonzalez at s.gonzalez@jsei.ucla.edu. Only potential candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted. More information can be found at: https://stemcell.ucla.edu/member-directory/sophie-x-deng-md-phd

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy, please visit https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment