"Post-Doctoral Associate"

About the Job

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary team investigating auditory processing, hearing impairment, and neural stimulation approaches. This research spans both animal and human studies, with a focus on neural coding, plasticity, and perception in response to acoustic and electrical stimulation, ultimately contributing to the development of a novel hearing prosthetic device.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Lei Feng (Department of Otolaryngology) and Dr. Hubert Lim (Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Otolaryngology) to design, test, and validate advanced auditory stimulation strategies and neurotechnology solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct basic, translational, and clinical research involving animal models and/or human subjects.
• Design and implement experiments related to auditory perception and neural coding
• Develop and validate signal processing algorithms and stimulation strategies using electrophysiological and behavioral data.
• Develop GUIs, psychophysical test protocols, and objective outcome measures (e.g., ECAP, ABR, otoacoustic emissions).
• Manage ongoing auditory nerve implant projects, including team coordination and mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students.
• Obtain and maintain appropriate IACUC and IRB approvals for research protocols.
• Collaborate with engineering and clinical partners on technology development.
• Contribute to manuscript writing, presentations, and grant proposals.
• Provide regular reports and updates to project mentors and collaborators.

About the Lab

Our lab explores how the brain encodes and adapts to sound and electrical stimulation, with a focus on designing invasive therapeutic interventions for hearing loss. We integrate neurophysiology, perception, and engineering to develop advanced auditory prostheses and stimulation strategies. This position offers unique opportunities to contribute to high-impact, translational neuroscience research at the intersection of auditory science and neural engineering.

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be listed on the applicant's resume.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Auditory Science, or a related field.
• Strong training and experience in auditory neurophysiology using animal models.
• Knowledge in hearing science, hearing impairment, perception, and computational modeling of neural systems.
• Proficiency in programming for data analysis and modeling (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Hands-on experience in acquisition, filtering, and analysis of electrophysiological recordings in the auditory system.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing and submitting scientific manuscripts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with human auditory perception testing.
• Background in preclinical animal research and translational neural technology development.
• Experience in GUI development and psychophysical testing methods.
• Prior experience in grant writing and collaborative research environments.

About the Department

To learn more about the Department of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery, please visit: med.umn.edu/ent.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).