The unwavering mission of the Retina Foundation is to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment. Our scientists, researchers, and administrative staff are dedicated to carrying out our mission for children and adults of all ages living with pediatric eye conditions, inherited eye diseases, and age-related macular degeneration. The Retina Foundation is an independent, nonprofit research institute with five research laboratories.
The Retina Foundation recognizes that our most valuable asset is our team. If you would like the opportunity to help advance our mission, we invite you to apply for one of our current job openings, postdoctoral fellowships, or internships, and join us in making a lifetime of good vision a reality for everyone.
Since 1982, the Retina Foundation’s Laboratory Directors for pediatric eye conditions, inherited eye diseases, and age-related macular degeneration have worked with 28 postdoctoral fellows. Fellowships at the Retina Foundation typically last between one to three years and help set the course for each fellow’s future in research. At the Retina Foundation, fellows work under the direct supervision of our laboratory directors. Each lab typically hosts one fellow at a time. Our fellowships provide a strong foundation in research knowledge, scientific communications, project management, leadership, teamwork and collaboration. Fellows learn the principles of research ethics and are given the opportunity to publish their research findings in peer-reviewed journals, as well as present their research among colleagues at the Foundation and at local, national, and/or international conferences and meetings.
At this time, there is an opening for a postdoctoral fellow in our Visionary and Neurodevelopment Laboratory. To learn more, click here.
Each year, typically during the summer, the Retina Foundation welcomes several research interns to learn from our world-class researchers how to evaluate the vision of patients, communicate test results, organize research data, and more. Summers are typically the busiest time for the Foundation where we see an increase in patient visits. Students in college or pursuing a higher-level degree are encouraged to apply for a summer internship.
To apply for a summer internship, please submit your cover letter and resume to Eileen Birch, Ph.D., at ebirch@retinafoundation.org by March 31st.
Funding partners for our training program include ExxonMobil, Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust, Fight for Sight, Foundation Fighting Blindness, Knights Templar Eye Foundation, National Eye Institute (NEI), The Theodore & Beulah Beasley Foundation, and Thrasher Research Fund.
A full list of the Foundation’s supporters can be found in our most recent Impact Report on pages 28 – 34.
“At the Retina Foundation, I had the opportunity to work under Dr. Karl Csaky, who is among the world's leading experts in retina care and research. The opportunities I had to develop my skills in research design, data analysis, scientific writing, and clinical ophthalmology will be invaluable as I continue my training as a physician.” – William Ou, Aspiring Physician
“Dr. Eileen Birch is not only a mentor but also a role model in my life; training with her impacted me the most in my career. I was lucky. I left the Retina Foundation 10 years ago, but I am still collaborating with Eileen and seeking advice from her.” – Jingyun Wang, Ph.D., Associate Professor, State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry
“During medical school, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. David Birch on a variety of translational research projects. During this time, I learned the basics of ophthalmic research techniques. I also learned how rewarding it is to build longitudinal patient relationships while caring for individuals with ocular conditions. This opportunity sparked my passion for visual sciences and inspired me to pursue residency in ophthalmology.” – Kelly Kiser, Aspiring Ophthalmologist
“Over the past three summers, I have had the amazing opportunity to intern under Dr. Yi-Zhong Wang and his research team. Working with Dr. Wang and his patients has advanced my professional development as well as fostered my interest in the medical research field. I am so grateful to be part of the innovative project.” – Allie Castaneda, Aspiring Medical Professional
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