Postdoctoral Scholar in Regenerative Therapy and Stem Cell Biology in CorneaDiseases

Position overview

Position title :

Postdoctoral Scholar in Regenerative Therapy and Stem Cell Biology in Cornea Diseases

Salary range :

The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at

appointment. See Table 23. The salary range for this position is $69,073 - $82,836.

Application Window

Open date : October 13, 2025

Next review date : Friday, Oct 24, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Friday, Dec 12, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

We are seeking talented and self-motivated postdoctoral scholars to join our team in the Cornea Cell Biology Laboratory at the Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles to investigate corneal stem cells and corneal diseases with an emphasis on translational application and therapeutic development.

The Cornea Biology Laboratory, under the direction of Sophie Deng, MD, PhD, studies corneal stem cells aiming to develop novel therapies for the treatment of corneal diseases. One research program investigates the microenvironment / niche of human limbal stem cells to elucidate those factors that govern the fate of limbal stem cells and pathophysiology of limbal stem cell deficiency. The role of Wnt signal transduction pathway in human limbal stem / progenitor cells is under investigation and small molecules that modulate Wnt signaling are being investigated to increase the ex vivo expansion of limbal stem cells for transplantation. The second research program investigates the function of extracellular vesicles (exosomes) derived from mesenchymal stem cells in corneal stromal wound healing. The studies also involve characterization and further functional studies of these extracellular vesicles in cell-based assays and in animal models.

The Deng research team is currently conducting a Phase I clinical trial (NCT03957954) to investigate the safety and feasibility of cultivated limbal stem cells to treat limbal stem cell deficiency. In parallel, the Deng team is conducting the preclinical studies on developing extracellular vesicles to treat corneal scarring. Both research programs are funded by the National Eye Institute and California Institute For Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

Qualified candidates should have a PhD and / or MD with a strong background in cell biology and molecular biology and demonstrated a record of achievement in research. We are seeking an independent, responsible and motivated individual with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (both verbal and written). The successful candidates will conduct research in one of the two research programs and assist with the ongoing phase I clinical trial.

Please send a cover letter, CV and names of three references to Dr. Sophie Deng at and Dr. Sheyla Gonzalez at . Only potential candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted. More information can be found at : member-directory / sophie-x-deng-md-phd

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Qualified candidates should have a Ph.D. and / or M.D. with a strong background in cell biology and molecular biology and demonstrated a record of achievement in research.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

We will only contact references with your permission.

Apply link : JPF10653

Help contact : About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and / or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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Job location

Los Angeles, CA