Postdoctoral Scholar, Gonzales Lab (Physiology and Cell Biology)

About the role

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at or. For UNR Med professional job postings, please contact the Office of Professional Recruitment at.

About the role

The University of Nevada, Reno is seeking a motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Scholar to lead a project on how light regulates vascular function within the choroid, a newly discovered mechanism that may control metabolic waste clearance from the retina in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The fellow will be responsible for designing and performing experiments using a range of advanced physiological and imaging techniques.

These approaches include ex vivo pressurized vascular and intact tissue preparations, high-resolution confocal and two-photon Ca2+ imaging, targeted photostimulation, pharmacological and molecular interrogation of cellular signaling pathways, controlled environmental exposure in animal models, and spatial transcriptomics.

Beyond experimental execution, the postdoctoral fellow will be involved in all aspects of the research process: formulating hypotheses, developing and refining protocols, conducting rigorous data collection and analysis, interpreting findings within the broader scientific context, and preparing manuscripts for publication.

The fellow will be encouraged to develop independent research directions aligned with the lab's core interests, pursue extramural funding, contribute to grant proposals, and gain leadership experience through the training and mentorship of graduate students, undergraduate students, and other research trainees within a supportive and collaborative research environment.

Required Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in Physiology, Vision Science, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in ocular biology, retinal or choroidal physiology, or related areas of vision research.
• Completion of a doctoral degree in the appropriate discipline is required.
• The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.
• The individual cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in ocular vascular physiology, neurovascular signaling, or retinal and choroidal biology.
• Expertise in one or more experimental approaches, including ex vivo tissue preparations, vascular reactivity measurements, patch-clamp electrophysiology, advanced fluorescence imaging, or molecular biology.
• Strong scientific writing, communication, and analytical skills, with an interest in developing independent research directions, pursuing extramural funding, and mentoring junior trainees.

Compensation Grade

Postdoctoral Scholar

To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Department Information

The Gonzales Lab seeks to understand the active role that capillary networks play in sensing and responding to the metabolic needs of the tissue, the mechanisms ensuring the point-to-point delivery of oxygen and nutrients and the removal of metabolic waste. Dr. Gonzales' laboratory employs a broad range of modern experimental approaches and techniques, including ex vivo pressurized vasculature tissue preparations, high-speed high-resolution Ca2+ imaging and patch clamp electrophysiology.

• Exempt
• Yes
• Full-Time Equivalent
• 100.0%
• Required Attachment(s)

Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at

Attach the following attachments to your application

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter highlighting research background, technical expertise, experience in ocular or vision research, and short- and long-term career goals
• Contact information for three professional references

This posting is open until filled

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This search will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member's first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine