A postdoctoral research fellowship is available in the laboratory of Mary Whitman, MD/PhD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The Whitman lab is a young lab that provides room for growth and independence, along with mentoring by an MD/PhD clinician-scientist. In addition to professional development opportunites within the lab and the department of ophthalmology, the fellow will have ample opportunities to take advantage of the vibrant scientific community of Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School and its affiliated hospitals.

The Whitman lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of eye movement disorders, specifically the genetics of strabismus and the development of the ocular motor nerves. We approach these questions using a variety of cutting-edge techniques, including whole exome and whole genome sequencing of strabismus patients, modeling human genetic variants that increase risk of strabismus in human induced pluripotent stem cells, a variety of functional assays for genetic variants, slice cultures of developing oculomotor nerve, and clearing and 3D confocal microscopy of mutant mouse models. A full list of publications can be found at:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/mary.whitman.1/bibliography/public/.

Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent degree in genetics, the biological sciences, neurobiology, bioinformatics, or a related field. Candidates with an MD degree and significant research experience will also be considered. This position is ideal for a self-motivated, reliable, organized, and detail-oriented individual interested in genetics and developmental neuroscience research and working in a highly collaborative, dynamic environment.

Interested candidates should have past training and experience in one or more of the following:

• Genetic analyses including linkage, whole genome and whole exome sequencing analysis
• CRISPR protocols
• Luciferase assays
• Cell culture protocols
• Immunohistochemistry
• Fluorescence and confocal microscopy
• Image analysis and quantification

• Application Process

  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit an application by email to mary.whitman@childrens.harvard.edu.

  Required documents include:

  • Cover letter including summary of your research experience, scientific interests, and academic and career goals
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Reference list including contact information (minimum of 3)
    • Compile all documents into one PDF file in the order listed above.

   *The Whitman lab is committed to diversity and inclusivity; Members of groups underrepresented in science are encouraged to apply.