Postdoctoral Researcher

Dr. Nizar Saad’s lab is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to join a translational research program advancing RNA-based and genome-editing therapies for rare genetic diseases. The lab develops RNA-, and CRISPR-based approaches for laminopathies and muscular dystrophies, using viral and non-viral delivery platforms (i.e., AAV and extracellular vesicles (EVs)). The lab also leads EV-based biomarker discovery efforts in muscular dystrophies. This position will require experience in EV and/or AAV isolation, purification, and characterization, -omics workflows, mouse work, including dosing and tissue collection. Experience in EV and/or AAV engineering is desired. Experience in cardiovascular or skeletal muscle biology is preferred. Additional details:

• NIH-funded grant: https://reporter.nih.gov/search/l5tpslMWTEi8QE1aMdbiDw/project-details/10992528
• Saad Lab page: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/research/areas-of-research/center-for-gene-therapy/saad-lab

Essential functions

• Conducts research under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
• Assists in the training and supervision of technical support staff in performing research essential to carrying out the research program.
• Records and analyzes data generated by the research study. Assists in the development of hypotheses for further investigation from the results of the studies performed.
• Assists with the preparation of scientific and technical papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Presents findings at local and national research forums.
• Collaborates with other ongoing research efforts either at NCH or at The Ohio State University.
• Works toward research independence, preparing to submit proposals to and obtain funding from external granting agencies.

Education

• PhD in relevant scientific field.

Qualifications

• Effective interpersonal skills required in interactions with scientists, physicians, and laboratory colleagues.
• Ability to work independently, and to proactively manage and lead projects.
• Strong data analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication skills.
• Skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Prior experience in molecular biology and Extracellular vesicle research.
• Track record of productivity (papers, presentations).

Required Skills

• PhD in molecular biology, genetics, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, transfection, qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence).
• Experience with mammalian cell culture (primary cells and/or immortalized cell lines).
• Hands-on experience with extracellular vesicle (EV) isolation, purification, and characterization.
• Experience with proteomics workflows (e.g., mass spectrometry–based proteomics).
• Experience with transcriptomic approaches (bulk RNA-seq and/or small RNA-seq).
• Basic bioinformatics skills for proteomic and transcriptomic data analysis.

Preferred Skills

• In vivo mouse work, including dosing and tissue collection.
• Experience with EV engineering and cargo loading strategies.
• Familiarity with muscular dystrophies or neuromuscular disease models.
• Experience with viral and non-viral gene delivery platforms (e.g., EV, AAV).
• Experience with biomarker discovery pipelines and translational research.