Associate Staff Scientist (Lang) Non-visual photoreception

A full time Postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Prof. Richard Lang at the Science of Light (SOL) Center and the Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in the United States. We are seeking highly motivated applicants to investigate light receptors, metabolic regulation and nervous system development. The ideal candidate is expected to work both independently and as part of an interactive team. Full-time positions are available for 2 years (with the possibility of a renewal for two years, pending satisfactory performance). Starting date: As soon as possible.

Project description: The Lang lab is currently working to understand how the non-visual opsins OPN3 (encephalopsin), OPN4 (melanopsin) and OPN5 (neuropsin) regulate light-dependent development and homeostasis. We have shown that both melanopsin/OPN4 (Rao et al., Nature, 2013) and neuropsin/OPN5 (Nguyen et al., Nature Cell Biology, 2019) provide timing cues for vascular development in the eye and regulate refractive (Linne et al., Mol Vis, 2023, Jiang et al., PNAS, 2021) and photoreceptor (D’Souza et al., Dev Cell, 2024) development. We have also shown that OPN3 in adipocytes and in the paraventricular nucleus (Nayak et al., Cell Reports, 2020; Haddad et al., PNAS, 2025) as well as OPN5 in hypothalamic neurons (Zhang et al., 2020) regulate metabolism and energy homeostasis. This work describes a new light-dependent physiological axis.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct Research - Design, execute and record laboratory experiments; apply standard scientific/research protocols to experiments, research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques. Design and perform experiments and record data according to research protocol. Independently reproduce, evaluate, research and improve techniques currently used. Adapt new methods to existing procedures and modify current experiments through scientific knowledge and intuition. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments. Develop, set-up and verify new procedures in the laboratory. Standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques. Develop new assays and new protocols; design formats. Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Director and provide useful recommendations and analysis. Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Maintain and repair equipment; monitor proper use by personnel. Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Demonstrate performance at work, consistency in carrying out instructions, accuracy & attention to detail, achieving expected results & continuous improvement.

• Publish - Draft, write and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles and abstracts. Present at local, national and international scientific meetings.

• Teamwork - Train and supervise the work of other laboratory personnel as appropriate. Maintain an integral role in the laboratory's meetings, presentations and publications. Present information on research and laboratory work to others at laboratory meetings, journal clubs and seminars. Demonstrate attendance and punctuality, ability to work independently & display initiative and dedication

• Financial Management - Assist in preparing, writing and maintaining fiscal budget. Monitor expenditures and prepare capital expenditure requests. Prepare, approve and initiate check requests; track funding, maintain accurate balance and resolve any discrepancies.

• Leadership - May act as a mentor to more junior staff, serve as the contact for resolution of complex issues, provide education, guidance and work direction. May provide input and feedback to managers on hiring decisions, professional development and performance management.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD genetics, molecular, cell, or developmental biology (or similar).

• 3+ years of work experience in a related job discipline

• Preferred skillsets include

• thorough theoretical and practical grounding in molecular and cell biology

• knowledge within the fields of chronobiology and photoreceptors

• Skills with quantitative and computational analysis are also an advantage.

 

Primary Location

Location R

 

Schedule

Full time

 

Shift

Day (United States of America)

 

Department

Ophthalmology

 

Employee Status

Regular

 

FTE

1

 

Weekly Hours

40

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s. 

 Cincinnati Children's is: 

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10  best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years 

• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding 

• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers  (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025) 

• One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune 

• Consistently certified as great place to work 

• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability 

• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) 

 We Embrace Innovation—Together.  We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability