POSITION SUMMARY: Proposes and undertakes a mentored, innovative project or challenge to develop novel molecular therapies for retinal degenerative diseases. Designs and performs in vitro and animal experiments, analyzes and presents the outcome. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Read, analyze and summarize published literature * Design and execute in vitro and in vivo * Undertake relevant coursework if required by mentor. * Attend relevant meetings * Meet regularly with mentor to review project progress and milestones * Plan and deliver a seminar on the project * Take administrative (inventory, purchasing, etc. ) responsibilities in the lab when necessary * Write a final report or submit a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal describing the project and results * Assist in grant writing EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Doctoral degree (MD or PhD) with more than 1 year of lab experience. WORKING CONDITIONS: Lab setting. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Possible lifting of 10 to 20 lbs., depending on nature of chosen project(s). HIPAA Privacy Training and Sanctions All employees who have access to health information whose confidentiality is protected by the HIPAA Privacy Rule are required by the Rule to receive training so that they have an understanding and knowledge of the Privacy Rule that corresponds to their job responsibilities and of the group health plan's policies and procedures that impact on their job duties. Training on the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the plan's health information policies and procedures under the direction of the institution's privacy officer is a pre-requisite for this position. Employees who violate the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination. This description is intended to indicate essential tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct, or control the work of staff members under their supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned but that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.