Postdoctoral Associate | Hearing and Balance

The Jackson Laboratory - Faculty Recruitment; Bar Harbor (ME); On-site; USD 66,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jackson Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to investigate the mechanisms underlying auditory and vestibular development and function using advanced mouse genetics. The role focuses on hair cell differentiation and the cytoskeletal polarization that shapes sensory epithelia.

Responsibilities include planning and executing independent projects, with emphasis on communication skills and scientific rigor. Preference given to motivated, career-oriented candidates.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in developmental cell biology, neuroscience, or related field.
• Experience with fine dissection techniques.
• Good fine motor skills and depth perception are essential.
• Expertise with inner ear biology and mouse genetics are preferred.
• Close consideration will be given to applicants with experience with quantitative live imaging or inner ear surgery.

Responsibilities

• Ability to plan, execute and analyze an independent research project is essential, as well as exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Preference will be given to self-motivated and career-oriented individuals.

Skills

PhD in related field

Dissection techniques

Fine motor skills

Inner ear biology

Mouse genetics

Quantitative live imaging

Education

Ph.D. in developmental cell biology or neuroscience

Tools

Inner ear surgery

Job description

The Tarchini Lab at The Jackson Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to investigate the mechanisms underlying auditory and vestibular development and function using advanced mouse genetics. Our research focuses on the differentiation of hair cells, supporting cells, and their innervating neurons, with particular emphasis on the cytoskeletal polarization events that drive their morphogenesis within sensory epithelia.

A central area of interest is identifying the protein complexes that organize and elongate the stereociliary bundle—the apical mechanosensory structure required for detecting sound and head movements. We further aim to understand how these proteins support adult hair bundle maintenance and how they respond to injury. Ultimately, our goal is to determine whether the developmental machinery that assembles the stereocilia bundle can be reactivated or repurposed to regenerate these structures following damage.

Responsibilities

Ability to plan, execute and analyze an independent research project is essential, as well as exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Preference will be given to self-motivated and career-oriented individuals.

Qualifications

• Recently awarded Ph.D. in developmental cell biology, neuroscience, or related field;
• Experience with fine dissection techniques;
• Good fine motor skills and depth perception are essential;
• Expertise with inner ear biology and mouse genetics are preferred;
• Close consideration will be given to applicants with experience with quantitative live imaging or inner ear surgery.

JAX Salary

Year 0 - 1: $65,589

Year 1 - 2: $67,318

Year 2 - 3: $69,095

Year 3 - 4: $70,521

Year 4 - 5: $72,877

Year 5 - 6: $75,569

Based on years of experience as Postdoc

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California),Japan andChina. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.