Associate Staff Scientist - Owen- Blinding diseases of children.

We are seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to join a dynamic and collaborative translational research laboratory focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying neovascular eye disease, with a primary emphasis on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a complex vascular disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge genomic and molecular biology research aimed at advancing precision diagnostics and therapeutic strategies, primarily leveraging human-derived tissues and multi-omic approaches, with complementary use of murine models to interrogate disease mechanisms and validate findings.

This role will involve designing and executing rigorous experimental studies, analyzing and interpreting multi-omic datasets, and collaborating closely with clinical and basic science teams to translate discoveries from bench to bedside. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in molecular biology and genomics, including experimental design across human, animal, and in vitro systems, bioinformatic data analysis, and scientific communication, including grant and manuscript preparation.

The applicant should thrive in an interdisciplinary environment dedicated to improving outcomes for premature infants through innovative research.

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

3+ years of work experience in a related job discipline

Primary Location

Location R

Schedule

Full time

Shift

Day (United States of America)

Department

Ophthalmology

Employee Status

Regular

FTE

1

Weekly Hours

40

About Us

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.