Laboratory Research Opportunities
Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher
Location: Borooah Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego
Job Description:
The Borooah Lab at UC San Diego is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Researcher to join our dynamic research team. Our lab focuses on groundbreaking translational research, with the aim of developing novel treatments. The successful candidate will gain expertise in stem cell disease modeling, gene therapy, CRISPR gene editing, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy, and regenerative medicine in the context of retinal diseases.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct advanced research in ocular biology, with a particular emphasis on retinal diseases, with the aim of presenting and publishing work in high-impact international peer-reviewed publications.
- Design and execute experiments utilizing cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and stem cell differentiation to retinal organoids.
- Generate scRNAseq and ATACseq data from disease models.
- Develop and characterize in vitro (cellular) and animal models of retinal diseases.
- Collaborate with team members, including other postdocs, graduate students, and technical staff, to ensure the smooth execution of lab projects.
- Contribute to grant writing and reporting for current and future research projects.
- Mentor junior lab members, medical students, and/or undergraduates.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, genetics, or related fields
- Proven track record of scientific productivity demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications
- Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team
- Proficiency in data analysis, statistical methods, and familiarity with bioinformatics tools
- Strong written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expertise in cell culture, stem cell technology, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and molecular biology techniques
- Hands-on experience with animal models of retinal diseases or ocular gene therapy
- Familiarity with RNA sequencing, proteomics, or other high-throughput omics technologies
- Previous post-doctoral experience
Salary and Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience and is based on the UC Postdoctoral Scholar salary scale. UC San Diego offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as access to various campus resources and training programs.
Application Instructions:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit the following documents to borooahlab@health.ucsd.edu:
- A cover letter describing their research experience, interests, and career goals
- A curriculum vitae (CV) including a full list of publications
UCSD Masters students
We are interested in accepting UCSD Masters students for mentored laboratory research. The research will focus on learning new CRISPR-Cas9 techniques to perform in vitro and in vivo editing of retinal disease and learning stem cell and organoid differentiation to model human disease.
The aim of this work is to develop new translational therapeutic approaches for treating sight-threatening retinal disease. This would be a great opportunity for those who are interested in gaining experience leading their own research projects and building for a future doctoral degree or career in Biotech being mentored by experienced laboratory lead and scientists.
If you are interested, please contact Dr Borooah at sborooah@health.ucsd.edu
UCSD Undergraduate Student basic science laboratory Volunteers
We are looking to support undergraduate student volunteers who are interested in gaining experience with translational studies including disease modelling using stem cells and developing treatments using gene editing or gene therapy.
A background in molecular biology, animal handling or cell culture is preferred and an aim to enter medical school or optometry school with support to gain funding and prizes to strengthen CVs.
If you are interested, please submit your C.V. to Kristyn Huffman at khuffman@health.ucsd.edu
Clinical Opportunities
Clinical Researchers
For the imaging laboratory we are looking to attract highly qualified ophthalmologists to perform clinical retinal research on imaging and electrophysiology of diseases of the retina, ideally with their own funding.
We currently have ongoing studies using AI imaging analysis, SD-OCT, OCTA, AO-SLO, and electrophysiology.
If you are interested, please contact and send your CV to Dr Borooah at sborooah@health.ucsd.edu
Retinal and ocular genetic research fellowship
We have a funded 2-year international retinal and ocular genetics fellowship.
The fellowship would be great opportunity for ophthalmologists who have completed residency and/or fellowship to focus on complex retinal pathology, inherited retinal diseases and be taught electrophysiology and genetic diagnosis.
The next opening is July 2026.
If you are interested, please contact and send your CV to Dr Borooah at sborooah@health.ucsd.edu
UCSD Medical students
We have studies investigating retinal image analysis and using AI to characterize and predict the progression of disease. These opportunities would be suitable for medical students interested in pursuing a career in ophthalmology and keen to strengthen their residency applications with research publications.
We have a network of mentoring from ophthalmology fellows to bridge the development of research and support those who are developing experience with research.
If you are interested, please contact Dr Borooah at sborooah@health.ucsd.edu