Postdoctoral Associate | Hearing and Balance | Tarchini Lab

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

Job summary

The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, ME invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to study auditory and vestibular development using mouse genetics. The lab focuses on hair cell and neuron morphogenesis and stereociliary bundle organization to understand maintenance and injury response.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. in developmental cell biology, neuroscience, or related fields, with strong dissection skills and experience in inner ear biology or live imaging; expertise in mouse

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in developmental cell biology, neuroscience, or related field.
• Experience with fine dissection techniques and precise manual skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to plan and analyze independent projects.
• Experience with inner ear biology and mouse genetics preferred.
• Quantitative live imaging or inner ear surgery experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and analyze an independent research project with strong judgment.
• Communicate findings clearly through written and verbal formats.

Skills

Dissection techniques

Fine motor skills

Inner ear biology

Mouse genetics

Live imaging

Inner ear surgery

Education

Ph.D. in developmental cell biology, neuroscience, or related field

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 and China. 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.