Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Circadian and Sensory Integration (Fernandez)

The Fernandez Lab at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is currently seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join our team and contribute to cutting-edge research in neuroscience. The main goal of our research is unraveling the mechanisms underlying light perception, development, and brain plasticity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who:

• has a strong background in neuroscience or a related field

• is enthusiastic about taking on exciting new projects

• holds a doctoral degree in a relevant field and

has experience with

o precise tools for tracing neuronal circuits

o techniques for measuring neuronal activity (such as fiber photometry, EEG, and optogenetics)

o a good understanding of genetic mouse lines

o experience in behavioral tests for assessing circadian, sleep, cognitive, and affective responses in rodents.

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

 

Primary Location

Location R

 

Schedule

Full time

 

Shift

Day (United States of America)

 

Department

Ophthalmology

 

Employee Status

Regular

 

FTE

1

 

Weekly Hours

40

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