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.
To apply, please submit (1) a one page (maximum) cover letter, describing research accomplishments and elaborating on why this position in particular would represent a mutually beneficial opportunity based on your research interests and skills; please note: Applications without a cover letter will not be considered; (2) a current CV; and (3) names and contact information of three references.
JAX Salary
Years of Postdoc Experience
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
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.
Skills Required
- Recently awarded Ph.D. in developmental cell biology, neuroscience, or related field
- Experience with fine dissection techniques
- Expertise with inner ear biology and mouse genetics
- Experience with quantitative live imaging or inner ear surgery
What We Do
Cancer. Diabetes. Alzheimer’s. Heart Disease. Parkinson’s. The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) leads the search to cure diseases rooted in our DNA. Founded in 1929, we are an NCI-designated Cancer Center since 1983 and an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit research organization with over 90 years of experience in genetics and genomics research. JAX blends the brightest minds with state-of-the-art resources to accelerate discovery. Areas of Discovery (75+ Principal Investigators, >250 Ph.D.s, M.D.s, and D.V.M.s): • Cancer: We are a National Cancer Institute designated Cancer Center focusing on cancer initiation, progression, prevention and therapies. • Developmental/reproductive biology: birth defects, Down syndrome, osteoporosis, fertility • Immunology: HIV-AIDS, anemia, autoimmunity, cancer immunology, immune disorders, lupus, transplant rejection • Metabolic diseases: atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, microbiome • Neurobiology: blindness, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, deafness, epilepsy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, neurodegenerative diseases • Neurobehavioral disorders: autism, addiction, depression Supporting Global Research: • The JAX Mouse Repository and Scientific Services are among the premier resources available for biomedical research. Committed to Education: • Summer Student Program (undergrad & high school) • Teaching the Genome Generation Short Course • Ph.D. programs: U. Maine, Tufts University and U. Connecticut • Courses, Conferences and Workshops
