Postdoctoral Scientist - Department of Neurosurgery

If you are passionate about helping human kind by contributing to research discoveries, we invite to consider this great opportunity and apply today!

When the work you do every single day has a crucial impact on the lives of others, every effort, every detail, and every second matters. This shared culture of happiness, passion, and dedication pulses through Cedars-Sinai, and it’s just one of the many reasons why we rank as one of the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Principal Investigator, Dr. Keith Black, MD, is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the team!

The laboratory is focused on advancing the fields of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photobiomodulation (PBM), with a strong emphasis on the design and delivery of photosensitizers and imaging agents. Our goal is to develop innovative therapeutic strategies that integrate NIR lasers, fluorescence imaging, and MRI agents for targeted treatment and imaging in vivo.

As a Postdoctoral Scientist, you will work both independently and collaboratively, contributing to the ground breaking research in PDT, PBM, and drug delivery systems. You will be responsible for a range of tasks, from conducting complex laboratory procedures to developing new assays and optimizing existing methods. As an incumbent in this role, you may develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols. You will analyze and summarize data, and may assist in preparation of grant proposals. The member in this role will participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author. This role is not responsible for generating grant funds.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Designs and performs experiments.
• Maintains appropriate experimental records and documentation and analyze the results with the Principal Investigator.
• Operates and maintains equipment and instruments.

Department-Specific Duties:

• Synthesis and Characterization: Synthesize and characterize photosensitizers, imaging agents, and polymeric nano-conjugates designed for PDT and PBM.
• Cell Biology: Perform cell culture, flow cytometry, and FACS sorting to study the effects of drug delivery systems and treatment efficacy on various cancer cell lines.
• In Vivo Experiments: Conduct in vivo experiments using animal models to test the effectiveness of developed PDT and PBM treatments. Duties include animal handling, treatment administration (IV or IP), tissue harvesting, cryostat sectioning, immunostaining/IHC, optical imaging, and microscopy.
• Molecular Analysis: Extract proteins from cell cultures and animal tissues for Western Blot Analysis and other molecular assays, with a focus on understanding the biological mechanisms involved in treatment.
• Assay Development: Develop and optimize new assays and methods, working closely with core facilities to perform complex biological assays and data analysis.
• Tissue Collection and Processing: Handle tasks related to tissue collection, processing, preservation, sectioning, immunostaining/IHC, and imaging.
• Lab Management: Maintain general lab equipment and supplies, archive biological materials, and ensure accurate recordkeeping.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze and interpret experimental data, maintain detailed experimental records, and discuss findings with the Principal Investigator.

Education:

• Doctorate (MD, PhD, VMD or DDS) in area directly related to field of research specialization, required.
• PhD or equivalent degree in Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Pathology, Molecular Biology is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• Experience in photodynamic therapy, photobiomodulation, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), drug delivery systems, sequencing (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq), or live animal manipulations (surgery, behavioral testing, imaging).
• Highly motivated and works independently on research projects designed by a mentor (typically the PI) within area of specialization.
• Acquires complete technical and theoretical knowledge of research project and objectives during one to five (1-5) year post-doctoral appointment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform experimental protocols and procedures, including detailed data collection and analysis.