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: Lab page: 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.