Post-Doctoral Fellow - ENT (Staecker Lab) - JR009809

Post-Doctoral Fellow - ENT (Staecker Lab)

Department: SOM KC Otolaryngology (ENT) * Staecker Lab

Position Title: Post-Doctoral Fellow - ENT (Staecker Lab)

Job Family Group: Professional Staff

Job Description Summary: 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.

Job Description:

Job Duties

Research & Lab 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.

Scholarly Output & Grant Writing

• 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.

Professional Development & Mentorship

• 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.

Compliance

• 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.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications

Education: 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.

Work Experience:

• Experience in Otology translational research in hearing loss.

Preferred Qualifications

Work Experience:

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

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Comprehensive Benefits Package: 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

Employee Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type: Full time

Rate Type: Salary

Compensation Statement: The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above.

Pay Range: $63,477.00 - $90,000.00

Minimum: $63,477.00

Midpoint: $76,739.00

Maximum: $90,000.00