What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Mikedis), Spermatogenesis position at Cincinnati Children's Hospital?
Dr. Mikedis Nicholson is looking for a motivated candidate to join her laboratory as a postdoctoral research fellow.
The laboratory is particularly interested in how the post-transcriptional control of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) facilitates two distinct stages of development: 1. spermatogonial stem cell differentiation into mitotically dividing progenitors, and 2. progenitors' initiation of meiosis. One of Dr. Mikedis Nicholson's major discoveries is that spermatogonial stem cells require DAZL, an RNA-binding protein, to produce a large progenitor pool. DAZL facilitates progenitor expansion by increasing the translation of its mRNA targets.
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 S
Schedule Full time
Shift Day (United States of America)
Department DB - Mikedis
Employee Status Regular
FTE 1
Weekly Hours 40
Market Leading Benefits Including*:
Medical coverage starting day one of employment. View employee benefits here.
Competitive retirement plans
Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
Expansive employee discount programs through our many community partners
Shift Differential, Weekend Differential, and Weekend Option Pay Programs for qualified positions
Support through Employee Resource Groups such as African American Professionals Advisory Council, Asian Cultural and Professional Group, EQUAL - LGBTQA Resource Group, Juntos - Hispanic/Latin Resource Group, Veterans and Military Family Advocacy Network, and Young Professionals (YP) Resource Group
Physical and mental health wellness programs
Relocation assistance available for qualified positions
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
The laboratory is particularly interested in how the post-transcriptional control of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) facilitates two distinct stages of development: 1. spermatogonial stem cell differentiation into mitotically dividing progenitors, and 2. progenitors' initiation of meiosis. One of Dr. Mikedis Nicholson's major discoveries is that spermatogonial stem cells require DAZL, an RNA-binding protein, to produce a large progenitor pool. DAZL facilitates progenitor expansion by increasing the translation of its mRNA targets.
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 S
Schedule Full time
Shift Day (United States of America)
Department DB - Mikedis
Employee Status Regular
FTE 1
Weekly Hours 40
Market Leading Benefits Including*:
Medical coverage starting day one of employment. View employee benefits here.
Competitive retirement plans
Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
Expansive employee discount programs through our many community partners
Shift Differential, Weekend Differential, and Weekend Option Pay Programs for qualified positions
Support through Employee Resource Groups such as African American Professionals Advisory Council, Asian Cultural and Professional Group, EQUAL - LGBTQA Resource Group, Juntos - Hispanic/Latin Resource Group, Veterans and Military Family Advocacy Network, and Young Professionals (YP) Resource Group
Physical and mental health wellness programs
Relocation assistance available for qualified positions
- Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type
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