Training & Employment Opportunities
Scientific Development
Almost all Post Doctoral Trainees and Associate Research Scientists from the John Lab have continued to faculty positions, with others continuing to careers of their choice. Our Research Assistants have continued to top Ph.D. and medical programs.
For more information about research projects as well as lab organization, mentoring and trainee experiences see Project Opportunities, The Glaucoma Project and Testimonials
Training
For those 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. Associate Research Scientist positions typically follow postdoctoral training and are suited to highly productive and dedicated individuals who are able to contribute at a high level, but want to spend more time at the bench, either as long-term lab members or as a stepping-stone to becoming PIs.
In addition to PhD scientists, we mentor early career M.D. scientists to enable their development to rigorous academically based Ophthalmologists with strong research credentials. In addition to basic mechanistic research with animal models and developing new therapeutics, there will be opportunities to work on human studies to enable precision medicine for glaucoma and other ocular diseases.
Project Opportunities
In addition to any listed positions, the John Lab is always interested in well-qualified applicants. Although such positions are not currently posted, we always consider qualified individuals and expect to open new postings in the near future . We are especially interested in postdoctoral fellows and research scientists with interest in the following areas:
1. Aqueous humor dynamics, IOP elevation and development with a focus on applying modern approaches to the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal (in normal and mutant animals as well as in mouse and human cell lines and organ culture). Projects will include single cell and other genomic, transcriptomic and metabolic experiments to better understand the molecular control of aqueous humor drainage and how IOP becomes elevated with age and in glaucoma. Using animal models, we plan to molecularly define cell types and determine their roles in IOP elevation/glaucoma as well as develop gene therapies and other treatment modalities. We are very interested in the effects of immune cells on IOP. We are also defining the developmental and transcriptomic sequences that control the formation of the ocular drainage tissues and contibute to developmental glaucomas.
2. Functional morphology of the ocular drainage pathways. This effort will closely integrate with other trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal studies, but with emphasis on microanatomy and changes with differing pressures. We will use recent microscopic innovations (in confocal microscopy, 3D EM, imaging etc.) as well as an organ culture system to characterize the functional anatomy of the drainage tissues and to determine the roles of specific molecules in defined cell types and processes. The project is well suited to a passionate, innovative cell biologist with a desire to resolve biological mechanism, microscopy skills and experience in rendering large datasets in 3D .
3. RGC and optic nerve degeneration in glaucoma. We are interested in the roles of specific cell types including vascular cells in glaucoma and how aging, metabolic and epigenetic changes modulate vulnerability to glaucoma. Projects include the study of axon degeneration pathways, determining how metabolism changes with age and glaucoma, with particular interest in the development of resilience boosting treatments that enhance cellular bio-energetics and anti-stress processes, as well as tailored gene therapies. Projects will include data science/computational expertise to analyze single cell and other genomic and metabolic data to better understand these processes using various glaucoma models.
Some combination of the following expertise are desirable for these projects: contemporary transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, epigenetics, metabolism, NAD metabolism, mitochondrial biology and assays, aging, neuroinflammation, monocyte/macrophage biology, mechanotransduction, iPS cells, molecular biology, vascular biology, ChIP seq, viral vectors, gene therapy, genetics, ocular fluid physiology, microscopy and data science/computational expertise to analyze large datasets. We are particularly eager to recruit top candidates with 1) deep expertise in metabolism/metabolomics and aging including cellular reprogramming, 2) Viral vectors and gene regulation or 3) strong experience in omic data generation and/or skills in computational data analyses with proven ability to innovate and synergize with experimental biologists.
A complete application should include a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for three referees. For Postdoctoral and Research Scientist positions a brief (2 to 3 page) summary of research experience and interests is ideal. Enquiries to kd2838@cumc.columbia.edu stating interest in the John Lab and with materials in PDF format.
Learn what John Lab alumni have to say about their experiences.
Current Openings
Associate Research Scientist and Postdoctoral fellows
metabolism, aging, cellular reprogramming, ocular biology, neurodegeneration, glaucoma
We are seeking dedicated individuals interested in ocular biology and metabolism to join the laboratory of Dr. Simon John located at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. We have a dynamic collaborative team that focuses on molecular mechanisms impacting the formation and function of the ocular tissues (including Schlemm’s canal and trabecular meshwork) and neurodegeneration in glaucoma. We have a strong interest in metabolic changes due to age and disease, how they affect ocular physiology and disease progression, and the development of nutritional and metabolism supporting treatments including cellular reprogramming. Research areas include miniproteins, mechanotransduction; single-cell and spatial -omic characterization to dissect cell type specific roles and interactions (drainage tissues, retina and optic nerve during development, aging and disease); endothelial biology, neuroinflammation, macrophages; and the role of transcription factor and other mutations in both ocular development and adult disease. We use an array of mouse models, genetic, viral and physiologic approaches. We collaborate with physicians on human studies and clinical trials.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. or M.D. degree with a strong track record. Relevant postdoctoral experience is strongly preferred for the more senior Associate Research Scientist level. The successful candidates will make critical research contributions both intellectually and experimentally, with a major focus on either ocular fluid drainage biology, ocular development/ developmental glaucoma, or mechanisms of neurodegeneration and metabolic interventions. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, mentoring and training research assistants, and other lab members, coordinating collaborations, preparing papers and assisting with funding applications. The applicant must be an independent individual with proven, strong research and organizational skills, meticulous habits and a healthy respect for quality and timelines. Well-developed writing and interpersonal skills are important. Research experience and expertise with some of the following approaches is desirable:
1. Mouse model systems and genetics
2. Tissue culture and cell biology, possibly with microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip approaches
3. Modern omic technologies
4. Computational and statistical analyses of single-cell level transcriptomic, ATAC-seq, HiC and metabolomic data types
5. Metabolism, metabolomics, bio-orthogonal tagging, and /or mitochondrial assays, miniproteins
6. Contemporary confocal microscopy approaches, FLIM and 3D reconstructions
7. Viral vectors
8. Myeloid cell/macrophage biology and assays
9. Cellular reprogramming
This position provides excellent opportunities for continued scientific development with potential for subsequent clinical applications. The scientist will benefit from a multidisciplinary collaborative environment. The Associate Research Scientist position is well-suited for a 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.
To apply submit a cover letter, resume, contact information for referees and ideally a 2-3 page summary of research experience and future interests.
Please apply at Careers at Columbia:
Data Analyst/ Associate Research Scientist
ocular biology, metabolism, neurodegeneration, glaucoma
Seeking a Data Analyst / researcher with interest in ocular biology, metabolism, developmental and/or neural biology/neurodegeneration to join a dynamic, collaborative research team. We are vested in modern omic, genetic and molecular studies to understand and treat ocular and neural diseases. This position is suited to someone who loves to be at the forefront of science and is comfortable contributing to group efforts using advanced bioinformatic and computational skills. Developed interpersonal and communication skills will enable collaboration with various team members including other bioinformatics/computational biologists, molecular biologists, geneticist and neuroscientists. Strong time management and prioritization skills are required to enable the successful completion of diverse projects within timelines. The incumbent will harness the power of omic and other data to address translational and basic research challenges pertaining to ocular and vascular biology, glaucoma and ocular disease as well as the development of new therapies. The successful candidates will analyze single cell level and spatial resolved data sets including data sets on the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome in disease-relevant tissues/cells. Computational approaches will be used to integrate and analyze this data to characterize the roles and molecular interactions of specific cell types.
This position is ideal for recent PhD graduates looking for a longer-term position with our group. However it can also be an outstanding opportunity for career development as a postdoctoral fellow or for a motivated, recent graduate interested in biomedical research and/or future advanced degree training in the biomedical sciences or medicine. If you already have adequate postdoctoral experience, this position could be filled at an Associate Research Scientist level and is formally listed as such.
Job Duties
· Conducts research activities with major contributions through data analysis expertise
· Major focus on bulk and single-cell multi-omic data analysis (including RNA-seq and ATAC-seq) in ocular tissues.
· Provides technical leadership including data analysis training and guidance to other lab members
· Designs, implements and operates bioinformatics pipelines using existing analytical tools for NGS applications
· Participates in protocol development and the possible development of new analytical tools
· Ensures data quality control is constantly and consistently applied to incoming data sets
· Summarizes, visualizes, and communicates research and analyses findings to the principal investigator and other team members.
· Collaborates with other bioinformaticians and lab researchers in project design, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
Minimum Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree in Genetics, Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a relevant field. Experience with complex data sets.
Preferred Qualifications
· PhD in Genetics, Biology, Data Sciences, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.
· Strong computational background with the ability to code in Python and R.
· Experience analyzing gene expression, metabolomic and other omic data is a strong asset.
To apply submit a cover letter, resume, contact information for referees and ideally a 2-3 page summary of research experience and future interests. Please apply at the Careers at Columbia 105861
Research Associate I
There is a Research Associate I position available in a dynamic laboratory at Columbia University’s Department of Ophthalmology in New York City. Major research areas include glaucoma, aging and metabolism with deployment of various omics technologies. Glaucoma is a common ocular disease involving harmfully high pressure inside the eye and neural degeneration in the optic nerve and retina. The position will provide exposure and training in areas including mammalian genetics, neuroscience, molecular biology, and physiology. The position can be viewed as stepping-stone to further education or longer term depending on the candidate, with previous incumbents having continued to top medical and PhD programs. The ideal candidate will have education including cellular and molecular biology, genetics and/or neuroscience. Experience with mouse genetics, and/or physiology are desirable but not required. Applicant must be a highly motivated, self-starter and have a bachelor's degree or higher, with preference for proven meticulous laboratory habits. Responsibilities will include characterization of new disease genes and pathways, molecular techniques to study disease mechanisms, clinical assessment of disease phenotypes, physiologic and metabolic measurements, tissue culture and maintenance of mouse colonies. The specific mix of activities will depend on the incumbent with the long-term possibility to learn a variety of experimental techniques. Depending on experience and abilities, there is the possibility of primary responsibility for specific projects. This position is available immediately.
Interested applicants should apply at Careers at Columbia (516506). Applicants should submit a cover letter indicating their interest, a CV including any publications, and the contact information for at least two but ideally three faculty level referees.
Opening soon
Any listed positions await formal authorization at the university and will be posted soon. In the meantime, please send enquiries to kd2838@cumc.columbia.edu stating interest in the John Lab and with materials in PDF format.
Recently Filled
The following positions were recently filled, but we will soon post new openings that are similar.
Research Associate II
There is a Research Associate II position available in a dynamic laboratory at Columbia University’s Department of Ophthalmology in New York City. Major research areas include glaucoma, aging and metabolism with deployment of various omics technologies. Glaucoma is a common ocular disease involving harmfully high pressure inside the eye and neural degeneration in the optic nerve and retina. The position will provide exposure and training in areas including mammalian genetics, neuroscience, molecular biology, and physiology. The ideal candidate will have education including cellular and molecular biology, genetics and/or neuroscience. Experience with mouse genetics, and/or physiology are desirable but not required. Applicant must be a highly motivated, self-starter and have a bachelor's degree or higher, with preference for proven meticulous laboratory habits. Responsibilities will include characterization of disease mechanisms, clinical assessment of disease phenotypes, and maintenance of mouse colonies with emphasis on ocular fluid physiology (intraocular pressure and aqueous humor outflow) and electrophysiology. The specific mix of activities will depend on the incumbent with the long-term possibility to learn a variety of experimental techniques. Depending on experience and abilities, there is the possibility of primary responsibility for specific projects.
Research Aide
There is a Research Aide position available in a dynamic laboratory at Columbia University’s Department of Ophthalmology in New York City. Major research areas include glaucoma, aging and metabolism with deployment of various omics technologies. Glaucoma is a common ocular disease involving harmfully high pressure inside the eye and neural degeneration in the optic nerve and retina. The position will provide exposure and training in areas including mammalian genetics, neuroscience, molecular biology, and physiology. The ideal candidate will have education including cellular and molecular biology, genetics and/or neuroscience. Experience with mouse genetics, and/or physiology are desirable but not required. Applicant must be a highly motivated, self-starter and have a bachelor's degree or higher, with preference for proven meticulous laboratory habits. Responsibilities will include molecular, metabolic and physiologic characterization of disease mechanisms and clinical assessment of disease phenotypes, with major emphasis on management, maintenance and experimental coordination/assessment of mouse colonies. The specific mix of activities will depend on the incumbent with the long-term possibility to learn a variety of experimental techniques. Depending on experience and abilities, there is the possibility of primary responsibility for specific projects.