Post-Doctoral Fellow - ENT (Staecker Lab)

University of Kansas Medical Center • Kansas City, KS

2d

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Otolaryngology (ENT) participates in translational research on LOXHD1-related hereditary hearing loss to advance gene therapy strategies and improve auditory outcomes. This role provides advanced research training to support the development of an independent research career. The fellow conducts research under the guidance of a Principal Investigator (PI), engages in professional development activities, and contributes to both independent and collaborative research, dissemination of findings, and laboratory activities.

Requirements

• PhD , MD or equivalent.
• This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.
• Experience in Otology translational research in hearing loss.
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Nice To Haves

• Publications in scientific journals or repute, small grant awards as demonstrated by application materials.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research under PI mentorship.
• Design, execute, and analyze translational studies focused on hereditary hearing loss and LOXHD1 dysfunction.
• Develop and characterize preclinical models, including mouse models and human inner-ear organoid systems.
• Design, optimize, and evaluate gene therapy strategies, including AAV vector engineering and delivery approaches.
• Collect, manage, and interpret experimental datasets and functional readouts.
• Contribute to protocols, manuals, and regulatory documents.
• Collaborate with the PI, faculty, and interdisciplinary research teams across otology, molecular genetics, and regenerative medicine.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, posters, and presentations for peer-reviewed journals and scientific meetings.
• Contribute to dissemination of research findings through publications and presentations.
• Assist in preparing research proposals or other funding submissions.
• Participate in seminars, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Develop and follow an Individual Development Plan (IDP).
• Mentor graduate or undergraduate students, interns, or trainees.
• Present research findings at meetings.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date research records.
• Adhere to IRB, IACUC, biosafety, and data security policies.
• Attend required departmental and University orientation and training sessions.

Benefits

• Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan.
• Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available.
• Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays.
• One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment.
• A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available.
• https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree