Postdoctoral Research Associate (Auditory Neuroscience) - Otolaryngology

About the Lab

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.

Research Tools and Approaches

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
• Pharmacological interventions

Position Description

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.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor
• 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

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree

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
• Neural circuit modeling

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.