From “Broken Postdoc” to Professor and RNA Researcher

John Lueck, PhD, associate professor of Pharmacology & Physiology, shares the winding path that led him from graduate school uncertainty and career setbacks to leading cutting-edge research in RNA therapeutics and genetic disease.

Lueck reflects on nearly leaving academia after a difficult postdoctoral experience, applying to countless industry jobs, and ultimately finding new momentum through mentorship, collaboration, and translational science.

Along the way, he discusses the realities of academic careers, persistence in research, and the importance of building supportive scientific communities.

Joining the conversation as faculty co-host is Charles Thornton, MD, professor of Neurology, who brings additional perspective on physician-scientist training, translational research, and developing therapies for genetic disease.

Lueck Lab: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/lueck

Pharm/Phys PhD program: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/phd/pharmacology-and-physiology

Charles Thornton: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/people/112358557-charles-a-thornton