Postdoctoral Associate | Hearing and Balance, Tarc

at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, United States

Job Description

The Tarchini Lab at The Jackson Laboratory (http://tarchini-lab.org) is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to complete a team currently composed of two postdocs, one research assistant and rotating students or shorter term trainees. The laboratory focuses on cell polarity mechanisms and their impact on the morphogenesis of sensory "hair" cells in the mouse auditory and vestibular organs, including hearing and balance ability. We are particularly interested in discovering new protein complexes organizing and elongating the stereocilia bundle, the apical hair cell compartment capturing sound or head movements. We are also interested in understanding how these proteins respond to damage, and more generally, to ask whether the molecular machinery assembling the stereocilia bundle during development could be leveraged to regenerate these structures after injury. We are independently funded with two R01 grants from NIH.

The Jackson Laboratory (http://www.jax.org) in Bar Harbor, Maine, USA, is recognized internationally for its excellence in research (e.g., The Nathan Shock Aging Center and Center for Novel Alzheimer's Disease Models), unparalleled mouse resources, outstanding training environment characterized by scientific collaboration, and exceptional core services - all within a spectacular setting adjacent to Acadia National Park. Translational research collaborations in genomics-based, personalized medicine are fostered through our JAX Genomic Medicine campus in Farmington, CT. In addition to lab-based training, JAX has developed a unique program for trainees to expand their professional skills in science communication, entrepreneurship, teaching, mentoring and laboratory management to best prepare postdocs for future career opportunities.

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.

About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,400 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in Augusta, Maine, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Connecticut, and facilities in Ellsworth, Maine, Sacramento, California, and Shanghai, 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.
JAX employees work in a collaborative, value-driven, and team-based environment where the focus is on advancing science and improving patients' lives. Researchers apply genetics to increase the understanding of human disease and advance treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging, and heart disease. JAX was voted among the top 15 "Best Places to Work in Academia" in the United States in a poll conducted by The Scientist magazine!

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.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.