With nation-wide responsibility for improving the health and well-being of all Americans, the Department of Health and Human Services oversees the biomedical research programs of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and those of NIH's research Institutes. The National Eye Institute, a major research component of the NIH and the Department of Health and Human Services, has a postdoctoral position available to support an ongoing research program in the Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, Section on Mechanisms of Retinal Diseases. This section focuses on studying potential molecular mechanisms involved in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The candidate will be involved in projects investigating the cytotoxicity mechanism(s) of oxidized LDL on the RPE and choriocapillaris and its relation to AMD and atherosclerosis. Cholesterol oxides commonly found in LDL that have potent pharmacological properties and are known to be cytotoxic to a variety of cell types. The function(s) of the oxysterol binding proteins and their relation to the oxysterol-induced cytotoxicity observed in the RPE is also being investigated.

A background in biochemistry, molecular and/or cellular biology is desirable. The candidate will receive training and/or will be exposed to a variety of research techniques in cell biology (tissue culture, transfections, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, etc.), molecular biology (DNA sequencing, cloning, promoter analysis, Northern and Southern blotting, in situ hybridization, arrays, etc.), biochemistry (immunoblots, HPLC, mass spectroscopy, enzyme assays, etc.) and bioinformatics (database mining, sequence assembly, etc).

Applicants must have an MD and/or Ph.D. with less than 5 years of postdoctoral experience. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for an Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) and non U.S. citizens with valid visas can apply for a Visiting Fellowship award. Stipend range is $35,000-$48,100 per year depending on level of experience.

To apply please send curriculum vitae, bibliography, research interest statement and the names and addresses of 3 references to:

Dr. Ignacio R. Rodriguez
Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology
National Eye Institute, NIH
Building 6, Room 304
6 Center Drive MSC 2740
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2740
Telephone: 301-496-1395
Fax: 301-402-1883
E-mail: rodriguezi@nei.nih.gov