Training & Employment Opportunities

Explore our current job openings below.

Scientific Development

Almost all Postdoctoral Trainees and Associate Research Scientists from the John Lab have continued to faculty positions, with others continuing to careers of their choice. Our Research Assistants/Staff Associates have continued to top Ph.D. and medical programs. 

For more information about research projects as well as lab organization,  mentoring, and trainee experiences, see Project Opportunities (below),  People, and Testimonials.

Training

For those who seek continued research training and scientific development, we offer unique training opportunities in mouse genetics, ocular disease, ocular pathology, and the general use of mice for studying disease mechanisms. Associate Research Scientist positions typically follow postdoctoral training and are suited to highly productive and dedicated individuals who are able to contribute at a high level, but want to spend more time at the bench, either as long-term lab members or as a stepping-stone to becoming PIs. 

In addition to Ph.D. scientists, we mentor early-career M.D. scientists to enable their development to rigorous academically based Ophthalmologists with strong research credentials.  In addition to basic mechanistic research with animal models and developing new therapeutics, there will be opportunities to work on human studies to enable precision medicine for glaucoma and other ocular diseases.

Project Opportunities

In addition to any listed positions, the John Lab is always interested in well-qualified applicants. Although such positions are not currently posted, we always consider qualified individuals and expect to open new postings in the near future. We are especially interested in postdoctoral fellows and research scientists with interest in the following areas: 

1. Aqueous humor dynamics, IOP elevation, and development with a focus on applying modern omic approaches to the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal. Projects will include single-cell and other genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic experiments to better understand the molecular control of aqueous humor drainage and how IOP becomes elevated with age and in glaucoma. Using animal models, we plan to molecularly define cell types and determine their roles in IOP elevation/glaucoma as well as develop gene therapies and other treatment modalities.  We are very interested in the effects of immune cells on IOP. We are also defining the developmental and transcriptomic sequences that control the formation of the ocular drainage tissues and contribute to developmental glaucomas.  These efforts integrate microscopic innovations (in confocal microscopy, 3D EM, nCT imaging, etc.) as well as an organ culture system to characterize the functional anatomy of the drainage tissues and to determine the roles of specific molecules in defined cell types. The project is well suited to passionate biologists with a desire to resolve biological mechanisms, using microscopy and molecular approaches.

2. RGC and optic nerve degeneration in glaucoma. We are interested in the roles of specific cell types including vascular cells in glaucoma and how aging, metabolic, and epigenetic changes modulate vulnerability to glaucoma. Projects include the study of axon degeneration pathways, determining how metabolism changes with age and glaucoma, with particular interest in the development of resilience-boosting treatments that enhance cellular bio-energetics and anti-stress processes, as well as tailored gene therapies. Projects will include data science/computational expertise to analyze single-cell and other genomic and metabolic data to better understand these processes using various glaucoma models.  

3. The effects of nutrition and lifestyle on childhood and adult glaucoma. Modulating diet and lifestyle may have an important influence on the effects of our metabolism-supporting and nutrient-based interventions, as well as on conventional treatment outcomes. We are interested in lifestyle-based approaches that can have an impact on IOP and glaucoma and can be easily translatable to patients. 

Some combination of the following expertise is desirable for these projects: contemporary transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, epigenetics, metabolism, NAD metabolism, mitochondrial biology and assays, aging, neuroinflammation, monocyte/macrophage biology,  mechanotransduction, iPS cells, molecular biology, vascular biology, viral vectors, gene therapy,  genetics, ocular fluid physiology, microscopy, and data science/computational expertise to analyze large datasets.  We are particularly interested in candidates with 1) expertise in metabolism/metabolomics and aging including cellular reprogramming,  2) Viral vectors and gene regulation, or 3) experience in omic data generation and/or skills in computational data analyses with proven ability to innovate and synergize with experimental biologists.

A complete application should include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three referees. For Postdoctoral and Research Scientist positions a brief (2 to 3 page) summary of research experience and interests is ideal. Inquiries to Marina Simón (msm2291@cumc.columbia.edu) stating interest in the John Lab and with materials in PDF format.

Testimonials

Learn what John Lab alumni have to say about their experiences. 

Current Openings

Associate Research Scientist 

Ocular biology, metabolism, vascular biology, neurodegeneration 

We seek a Research Scientist to join a dynamic, collaborative team at a senior, postdoctoral level contributing both intellectually and experimentally. We study molecular and metabolic mechanisms impacting the formation and function of the ocular drainage tissues as well as neurodegeneration in glaucoma (retinal and optic nerve cells, including endothelial cells, the neurovascular unit, and astrocytes). The John lab (web page) uses an array of mouse models and genetic, viral, and physiologic approaches. We collaborate with physicians on human studies and active clinical trials. This position is an outstanding opportunity for continued scientific development. The position is well-suited for a productive and dedicated individual who contributes at a high level but wants to spend more time at the bench, either as a long-term lab member or as a stepping-stone to becoming a PI. All of Dr. John’s previous trainees who applied for faculty positions were successful.

Potential project areas:

1) Characterizing disease changes and developing dietary-based interventions to induce cellular resilience against glaucoma. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing and other approaches, we determined that mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in a subtype of trabecular meshwork cell and underlies intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in glaucoma. We have separately demonstrated that perturbed mitochondrial metabolism mediates glaucomatous neurodegeneration. We continued to show that nutritional interventions (with vitamin B3 and pyruvate) support cellular bioenergetics, induce cellular resilience, and profoundly protect from glaucoma in mice, with further success in initial, human clinical trials (see: Tolman N. BioRxiv 2024; Li K. BioRxiv 2025; Williams P. Science 2017, Harder J. PNAS2020).

2) Determining the effects of intraocular pressure on blood vessels. We discovered that elevated IOP changes endothelial cells resulting in disruption of the blood retinal barrier (BRB). The resultant vascular leakage contributes to retinal ganglion death as a newly discovered mechanism driving neurodegeneration in glaucoma. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms underlying the BRB compromise and to develop BRB-targeted treatments (see: Zhang BioRxiv 2024).

3) Understanding morphogenesis and function of ocular drainage tissues (Schlemm’s canal and trabecular meshwork), guided by single-cell resolution sequencing and other technologies. We have strong interest in childhood glaucoma and therapies based on metabolic support and/or directed differentiation of drainage tissue cell types from stem cells. Our preliminary data support the use of resilience-based nutritional treatments to reset ocular drainage tissue development as a new paradigm for treating these difficult conditions. (see: Libby R. Science 2003; Tolman N.BioRxiv 2024; Balasubramanian R. eLife 2024; Kizhatil K. Plos Biol 2014 and Nat Commun 2024).

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or M.D. degree with a strong track record. Relevant postdoctoral experience is preferred. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, mentoring and training research assistants, students, and other lab members, coordinating collaborations, preparing papers, and assisting with funding applications. The applicant must be an independent individual with proven strong research and organizational skills, meticulous habits, and a healthy respect for quality and timelines. Well-developed writing and interpersonal skills are important. Research experience and expertise with some of the following approaches is desirable: mouse model systems and genetics; tissue culture and cell biology; modern ’omic technologies; computational and statistical analyses; metabolism/mitochondrial biology; contemporary confocal microscopy. 

If interested, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for referees to Associate Research Scientist Marina Simón (msm2291@columbia.cumc.edu) before March 15, 2025. A ≈ 2-page summary of research experience and future interests will be helpful.

Opening  soon

Any listed positions await formal authorization at the university and will be posted soon. In the meantime, please send inquiries to Marina Simón (msm2291@cumc.columbia.edu) stating interest in the John Lab and with materials in PDF format.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Writer and Scientific Coordinator

Seeking a Ph.D. level Writer and Scientific Coordinator to join a collaborative research team. We are deeply vested in modern omic, genetic, and molecular studies to understand and treat ocular and neural diseases. Our research spans vascular and developmental biology, nonconventional immune cell functions, metabolism, nutrition, and neurodegeneration. This position is suited to someone who loves to be at the forefront of science but prefers to spend most time reading, writing, analyzing data and facilitating group efforts rather than being at the bench.

Responsibilities:

• Understanding diverse projects within the group, facilitate collaboration between group members, and summarize literature with a possibility of contributing to scientific direction.

• Will interface with team members, collaborators, and external scientific services to enable the efficient and timely adoption of new technologies

• Will be expected to motivate and mentor other team members and will have substantial responsibility for writing, revising, and editing scientific papers, reviews, funding applications, news releases, and reports.

• Needs to be able to plan, develop and lead the completion of complex writing projects with accountability to successful completion within timelines

• Will collaborate with team members on the review, analysis, and interpretation of study results, including assuring appropriate data analyses and accurate data reporting and literature review.

• May also contribute to multimedia content for various audiences including content on our website and production of scientific slides and talks

• Must be able to analyze, understand complex data and literature, keep current with literature and design

Research Associate II 

There is a Research Associate II position available in a dynamic laboratory at Columbia University’s Department of Ophthalmology in New York City. Major research areas include glaucoma, aging and metabolism with deployment of various omics technologies. Glaucoma is a common ocular disease involving harmfully high pressure inside the eye and neural degeneration in the optic nerve and retina. The position will provide exposure and training in areas including mammalian genetics, neuroscience, molecular biology, and physiology. The ideal candidate will have education including cellular and molecular biology, genetics and/or neuroscience. Experience with mouse genetics, and/or physiology are desirable but not required. Applicant must be a highly motivated, self-starter and have a bachelor's degree or higher, with preference for proven meticulous laboratory habits. Responsibilities will include characterization of disease mechanisms, clinical assessment of disease phenotypes, and maintenance of mouse colonies with emphasis on ocular fluid physiology (intraocular pressure and aqueous humor outflow) and electrophysiology. The specific mix of activities will depend on the incumbent with the long-term possibility to learn a variety of experimental techniques. Depending on experience and abilities, there is the possibility of primary responsibility for specific projects. 

Research Aide

There is a Research Aide position available in a dynamic laboratory at Columbia University’s Department of Ophthalmology in New York City. Major research areas include glaucoma, aging and metabolism with deployment of various omics technologies. Glaucoma is a common ocular disease involving harmfully high pressure inside the eye and neural degeneration in the optic nerve and retina. The position will provide exposure and training in areas including mammalian genetics, neuroscience, molecular biology, and physiology. The ideal candidate will have education including cellular and molecular biology, genetics and/or neuroscience. Experience with mouse genetics, and/or physiology are desirable but not required. Applicant must be a highly motivated, self-starter and have a bachelor's degree or higher, with preference for proven meticulous laboratory habits. Responsibilities will include molecular, metabolic and physiologic characterization of disease mechanisms and clinical assessment of disease phenotypes, with major emphasis on management, maintenance and experimental coordination/assessment of mouse colonies. The specific mix of activities will depend on the incumbent with the long-term possibility to learn a variety of experimental techniques. Depending on experience and abilities, there is the possibility of primary responsibility for specific projects.