Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Danzer) Tuberous Sclerosis

The Danzer laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to conduct phenotype-genotype studies using human iPSCs to characterize patient mutations for children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). TSC is a multi-system neurodevelopmental disease which frequently leads to epilepsy and autism. CCHMC houses the largest TSC clinic in the world. This is an opportunity to be part of a basic science/translational research project with the potential to improve the care for children with TSC.

The focus of the Danzer lab is to elucidate basic mechanisms of epileptogenesis in mTORopathies, a disease class caused by developmental somatic mutations in mTOR pathway genes. The lab uses a wide variety of model systems and experimental approaches, including EEG, multi-unit recording, optogenetics, chemogenetics, AAV and transgenic approaches to manipulate gene targets and neuronal function, calcium imaging, confocal and light sheet microscopy and electrophysiology. The lab environment, combined with world class research cores and faculty colleagues at CCHMC and UC, provide an exceptional opportunity for fellows interested in pursuing a research career.

The ideal candidate will have a doctoral degree in Neuroscience or closely-related field along with at least two years of experience conducting human iPSC work.

The CCHMC campus sits adjacent to the affiliated University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and combined faculty at the two institutions includes more than 60 basic neuroscience labs as well as active graduate student and postdoctoral programs.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Develop the skills and knowledge (critical thinking and analysis of data, devising specific aims, long-term project planning and experimental design) to become an independent scientist
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments, and analyze data, which may affect decisions regarding future patient care.
• Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques. protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Implement this knowledge in the Division/Department. Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. 
• Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis.      
• Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and meetings. Develop skills to critically review and discuss data being presented.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants.
• Progressively increasing responsibilities with mentorship of research staff and fiscal administration
• Maintain currency in field through continuing education, literature, and seminars. Be an active participant in the process through intellectual discussions with PI and other faculty, trainees and research staff. Solicit feedback on career trajectory from PI, mentoring committee and others who can provide coaching and insight.
• Attend required Cincinnati Children’s training sessions and ensure regulatory compliance with all institutional (i.e. Infection Control, ORCRA and others as applicable) policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Required:

• PhD/MD or equivalent

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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