Postdoctoral Research Associate (Auditory Neuroscience) - Otolaryngology

Washington University in St. Louis; United States; On-site; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis, in the Kumar Lab of Otolaryngology, seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join NIH-funded research on cortical circuits underlying hearing in noisy environments after noise-induced hearing loss.

The role uses in vivo two-photon imaging, electrophysiology, chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches, and computational analyses to study neural plasticity. The position offers access to state-of-the-art imaging, computational resources, and a

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Responsibilities

• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research.
• Assists in the design of research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of the results.
• Conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.

Skills

Two-photon imaging

Brain-slice electrophysiology

Stereotactic surgeries

Computational neuroscience

Image analysis

Neural circuit modeling

Education

PhD/MD or equivalent

Job description

Location

St. Louis, MO 63110

Position Summary

The Kumar Lab in the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join an NIH-funded research program investigating the cortical cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying hearing difficulties in noisy environments following noise-induced hearing loss. Our research integrates systems neuroscience, genetics, pharmacology, and computational approaches to understand how cortical circuits adapt to hearing loss and contribute to impaired auditory perception. The Kumar Lab employs a multidisciplinary experimental toolkit that includes: In vivo two-photon imaging of identified neuronal populations in awake mice, auditory behavioral assays, ex vivo brain-slice imaging and electrophysiology, chemogenetic and optogenetic circuit manipulation, Inducible conditional knockout mouse models, and Pharmacological interventions. The successful candidate will use these cutting‑edge approaches to investigate the neural plasticity of cortical circuits associated with hearing deficits. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to conduct high-impact neuroscience research in a vibrant academic setting with access to state-of-the-art imaging, electrophysiology, and computational resources. The Kumar Lab is committed to fostering scientific excellence, collaboration, and the professional development of trainees.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research.
• Assists in the design of research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of the results.
• Conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations.
• All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education: Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Certifications/Professional Licenses: No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience: No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills: Not Applicable.

Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

We welcome applicants with experience in two or more of the following areas: in vivo two-photon imaging, ex vivo brain-slice electrophysiology, stereotactic surgeries, computational neuroscience, image analysis, or neural circuit modeling.

Preferred Qualifications Education: No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Preferred Qualifications Certifications/Professional Licenses: No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Preferred Qualifications Work Experience: No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Preferred Qualifications Skills: Not Applicable.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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About the University

Washington University in St. Louis' collective success is significantly attributed to the passion and outstanding efforts of our community. Our staff, faculty and trainees are committed to excellence and dedicated to carrying out our missions of research, teaching and patient care. WashU prides itself on being a place where people matter, and serious work is done. Our people work together in an inclusive community that celebrates diverse perspectives, collaboration and innovation. We are a community of individuals inspired to work together to develop big ideas and tackle challenging problems. We value the well‑being of our people. WashU strives to create a positive employee experience where staff, faculty and trainees thrive, both personally and professionally. Our employees find meaning, connection and vitality in their work and life with a healthy work-life balance and support to learn, grow and make an impact at WashU, the community and the world.

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