Postdoctoral Fellow in Auditory Genetics and In Vivo Functional Genomics

Posting Details

Position Details

Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Auditory Genetics and In Vivo Functional Genomics Specific Title Appointment Type Postdoctoral Fellow Department IUSM - Medical & Molecular Genetics Campus IU School of Medicine Indianapolis Position Summary

The Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow in Auditory Genetics and In Vivo Functional Genomics to join the Azaiez-Booth Laboratory in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Our laboratory investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying human disease, with a major research program focused on genetic hearing loss and the functional biology of the auditory system. We integrate human genetics with molecular biology, genome editing, functional genomics, and in vivo disease modeling to determine how genetic perturbations alter auditory function and to identify opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

The successful candidate will play a central role in expanding the laboratory's in vivo auditory genetics program. This position is particularly well suited for a scientist interested in connecting human genetic discoveries to organismal phenotypes through mouse models, auditory physiology, molecular analysis, and experimental manipulation of the inner ear.

Current and developing projects include functional characterization of genes associated with hearing loss, rapid generation of somatic CRISPR-based models, characterization of genetically engineered disease models, and development of in vivo approaches for manipulating gene activity within the auditory system. These studies provide opportunities to investigate fundamental mechanisms of auditory biology while also developing experimental platforms with translational and therapeutic applications.

Research Opportunities

The successful candidate will have opportunities to participate in and lead studies involving:

• Generation and characterization of mouse models of genetic hearing loss.
• Somatic CRISPR/Cas genome editing and in vivo functional genomics.
• Auditory phenotyping, including auditory brainstem response and otoacoustic-emission measurements.
• Inner-ear tissue collection, histology, immunofluorescence, and quantitative imaging.
• Cochlear and inner-ear experimental approaches.
• Molecular characterization of genetically perturbed auditory tissues.
• Investigation of mechanisms connecting genetic perturbation with auditory and vestibular dysfunction.
• Development and evaluation of therapeutic approaches, including gene-regulatory and gene-based strategies.
• Integration of experimental findings with human genetic and clinical data.

The laboratory is particularly interested in developing rapid and scalable strategies for testing gene function in vivo, allowing human genetic observations to be translated efficiently into experimentally testable hypotheses.

Training and Career Development

The Azaiez-Booth Laboratory provides a collaborative training environment designed to help postdoctoral fellows develop both technical expertise and scientific independence. Fellows will receive mentorship in experimental design, auditory and genetic approaches, manuscript preparation, scientific communication, fellowship and grant writing, mentoring, and career development.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop an independent scientific niche within the laboratory's broader program in auditory genetics and functional genomics. Postdoctoral fellows will have opportunities to lead projects, establish collaborations, present research at national and international meetings, contribute to grant applications, and pursue individual fellowship or career-development funding.

Indiana University School of Medicine provides a particularly strong environment for this work, with extensive expertise in human genetics, genomics, neuroscience, otolaryngology, auditory biology, genome editing, and translational medicine.

IU School of Medicine is committed to being a welcoming campus community, and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health and well-being throughout the state of Indiana.

Department Contact for Questions

Applicants should submit:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of application, including brief statement of research interests and career goals
• Contact information for three references

Through the Indiana University academic careers portal via this link

https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/34620

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Basic Qualifications

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in genetics, neuroscience, auditory biology, molecular biology, physiology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline by the start of the appointment.

Ability and willingness to work with mouse models are required for this position.

Prior experience in inner-ear biology is highly desirable but is not required. Candidates from genetics, neuroscience, physiology, developmental biology, or related areas who are interested in developing expertise in auditory research are encouraged to apply.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be particularly valuable:

• Mouse handling and experimental animal research.
• Microsurgery or other technically demanding in vivo procedures.
• Auditory or sensory physiology.
• Mouse genetics.
• CRISPR/Cas genome editing.
• AAV or other gene-delivery approaches.
• Histology, immunofluorescence, or confocal microscopy.
• Molecular biology and gene-expression analysis.
• Neuroscience or sensory-system biology.

Training can be provided in specialized inner-ear techniques. Candidates should bring a strong experimental foundation, attention to technical detail, scientific curiosity, and an interest in developing increasing independence in experimental design and project leadership.

Department Contact for Questions

Questions regarding the position and application materials may be directed to: Dr. Hela Azaiez, PhD (hazaiez@iu.edu) and Dr. Kevin T.A. Booth PhD, FACMG (kevbooth@iu.edu)

Additional Qualifications Special Instructions Priority Application Review Deadline Expected Start Date Posting Number IUSM-02533-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • How did you hear about this position?

• Personal Contact: At Professional Meeting or Conference

• Personal Contact: Direct Contact by Search Committee

• Personal Contact: Referred by colleague or advisor

• Personal Contact: School of Medicine recruiter

• Personal Contact: IUHP Physician Recruiter

• Announcement: Other Journal or Magazine

• Announcement: Other Website

• • Are you a dual career partner (your partner or spouse is already being recruited)?

• Yes

• No

• • Have you previously been employed with IU?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application

Optional Documents

• List Of References