Training & Employment

In addition to any listed positions, the John Lab is always interested in well-qualified applicants who seek continued research training and scientific development. We offer unique training opportunities in mouse genetics, ocular disease, ocular pathology, and the general use of mice for studying disease mechanisms. Interested individuals can contact Dr. John at simon.john@jax.org.

A complete application for any position should include a cover letter, resume, a brief (1 to 3 page) summary of research experience and interests, and the contact information for three references.  


The John Lab also accepts summer students and interns.  Interested applicants should contact Dr. John and go to
www.jax.org to apply directly to the appropriate programs.

Our Research Assistants advance from the John Lab to top tier graduate programs. Read more.


See what our Former Postdoctoral Fellows are doing now.

Learn more about what you could be doing as a Research Assistant.


Testimonials
Hear what John Lab alumni have to say about their experiences. Read more.


The Jackson Laboratory has graduate student programs available
.
Read more.


Positions Available
Research Scientist: Neuroprotective Mechanisms
We are seeking a highly motivated and capable individual for a senior position in the laboratory of Dr. Simon John, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, located at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. This position provides excellent opportunities for continued scientific development, and for contribution to pioneering new technologies in biomedical research with great potential for subsequent clinical applications. It is suited for a highly productive and dedicated individual who is able to contribute at a high level but wants to spend more time at the bench, either as a long-term lab member or as a stepping-stone to becoming a PI.

The successful candidate will make critical research contributions both intellectually and experimentally. Specifically, the Research Scientist will be expected to lead a major area of research into a radiation-induced neuroprotection. We discovered that a specific radiation treatment completely prevents glaucoma in the vast majority of treated mice but the mechanisms remain unclear. Understanding the mechanisms involved in this neuroprotection has the potential to provide potent new treatments for human glaucoma. In addition to determining mechanisms, experiments will continue to refine the treatment and test its efficacy against other diseases.

The Research Scientist is expected to benefit from the multidisciplinary environment of the John Laboratory, which combines genetics, genomics, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, pathology cutting edge microscopy and collaborates with engineers to develop new miniature and implantable tools. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, directing research assistants, and preparing papers and funding applications.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or M.D. degree with a strong track record.  Relevant postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred. Experience with mouse model systems and genetics is desirable, but not required. The applicant must be an independent individual with proven, strong research and organizational skills and meticulous habits. Well-developed writing and interpersonal skills are an asset.

To apply submit a cover letter, resume, contact information for three references and a 2-3 page summary of research experience and future interests at www.jax.org/careers. reference #: 2669
All electronic submissions must be submitted in PDF format. Or mail your application to Bethany Preble The Jackson Laboratory 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609-1500.
Scientific questions can be directed to simon.john@jax.org.

For more information about our work in this field please see the following publications:
(1) Anderson MG, et al., 2005. High-dose radiation with bone marrow transfer prevents neurodegeneration in an inherited glaucoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 102:4566-4571.
(2) Howell GR, et al., 2007. Axons of retinal ganglion cells are insulted in the optic nerve early in DBA/2J glaucoma. J. Cell Biol 179(7): 1523-37
(3) John SWM.  2005.  Mechanistic insights to glaucoma provided by experimental genetics: The Cogan Lecture.  Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 46: 2650-2661

Neurobiology Post-Doctoral Position
We are seeking candidates for a Post Doctoral research position in the field of Neurobiology. The lab focuses on the genetics, pathophysiology, and neurobiology of neurodegenerative disorders including glaucoma and Alzheimer’s disease. Glaucoma is a common ocular disease involving harmfully high pressure inside the eye and neural degeneration in the optic nerve and retina.

An important project in our lab is to determine mechanisms of a radiation-induced neuroprotection against glaucoma. We discovered that a specific radiation treatment is highly protective and prevents glaucoma in the vast majority of treated eyes (ref 3). In addition to determining mechanisms, our studies will continue to refine the treatment and test its efficacy against other neurodegenerative diseases. Other projects are also available including determining mechanisms of axon degeneration in glaucoma and studying potential roles of disturbed neuro-glial interactions in the demise of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. 

Pertinent references:
1.
Howell GR,  Macalinao D,  Sousa G, Walden M, Soto I, Kneeland S, Barbay J, King B, Marchant J, Hibbs M, Stevens B, Barres B, Clark A, Libby R, John SWM. 2010. Molecular clustering identified complement and endothelin induction as early events in a mouse glaucoma. J Clinical Invest (in press)
2. Stevens B, et al. 2007. The classical complement cascade mediates CNS synapse elimination. Cell 14;131(6):1034-6.
3. Anderson MG, et al. 2005. High-dose radiation with bone marrow transfer prevents neurodegeneration in an inherited glaucoma. PNAS 102:4566-4571.
4. Howell GR, et al. 2007. Axons of retinal ganglion cells are insulted in the optic nerve early in DBA/2J glaucoma. J Cell Biol 179:1523-1537.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. with a quality publication history. Experience with mouse model systems and genetics are desirable, but not required. The applicant must be a dedicated and independent individual with proven, strong research and organizational skills and meticulous habits. This position will require a driven, creative individual who is willing to tackle novel challenges. The Jackson Laboratory has an excellent postdoctoral training program. This program includes support to attend meetings, and training in grant writing and seminar leading through hands on experience. Many courses and seminars are given at the Laboratory, and 
in addition to their direct mentor trainees have support though a faculty liaison.
 
The Jackson Laboratory was included in the top ten places to work as a Post Doc by "The Scientist".  Almost all Post Doctoral Trainees from the John Lab have continued directly to faculty positions. Please submit a cover letter, CV, contact information for three referees and a concise (2 to 3 page) summary of research experience and future interests by visiting http://research.jax.org/postdoc/index.html.  All electronic submissions must be submitted in PDF format.  Or mail applications to: Bethany Preble The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609-1500. Scientific questions may be directed to simon.john@jax.org.

Though our Research Assistant Positions are currently filled, we are always interested in queries from exceptional candidates.  If you feel you are highly qualified for the position described below, please contact Bethany Preble (Bethany.Preble@jax.org) with a description of how, specifically, you are an appropriate fit for the John Lab along with your qualifications.  Include a CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references. 

Research Assistant I/II/III:
We are accepting applications for the Research Assistant I/II/III (equivalent at other institutions to Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant/Professional Research Assistant) positions in the laboratory of Dr. Simon John, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine.  Dr. John’s lab focuses on the genetics, pathophysiology and neurobiology of glaucoma and other neurodegenerative disorders. Glaucoma is a common ocular disease involving harmfully high pressure inside the eye and neural degeneration in the optic nerve and retina. 

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably with some focus on molecular biology and/or genetics.  Dr John has a proven track record of providing a stimulating training environment for individuals who wish to gain research experience prior to entering top-tier graduate schools.  Experience with mouse genetics, and/or physiology are desirable but not required.     

Responsibilities will include mapping/identification of new disease genes, molecular techniques to study disease mechanisms, clinical assessment of disease phenotypes, physiologic measurements, and maintenance of mouse colonies. The specific mix of activities will depend on the incumbent. Depending on experience and abilities there is the long-term possibility to learn a variety of experimental techniques, and potential for primary responsibility for specific projects.  This position is available immediately. Seniority of position and compensation will depend on the applicant’s level of education and experience. 

This is not an active advertisement.  There is no guarantee of an open position.


Support Our Research  Your donation advances professional training and cutting edge research.

ANNOUNCEMENTS