Research Fellow, PGY0, Inner Ear Regeneration
 Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary - MEI | |
 United States, Massachusetts, Boston | |
| 243-245 Charles Street (Show on map) | |
 Feb 12, 2025 | |
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Postdoctoral Fellowship in Inner Ear Regeneration Harvard Medical School Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary Postdoctoral positions are available on inner ear regeneration for hearing recovery from deafness, using reprogramming, animal models, and bioengineering approaches. The focus of the project is to uncover the final connection between hair cell regeneration and hearing restoration so we can demonstrate the efficacy in animal models. The candidate will further develop novel delivery methods for drug-like molecules in hair cell regeneration and hearing recovery. The combination of the two approaches will pave the way to move the work toward the clinical stage so pre-IND and a clinical trial can be conducted for hearing restoration in patients.
We have developed a cocktail of drug-like molecules potent in reprogramming and hair cell regeneration in adult cochlea in vivo (Quan et al., PNAS 2023). We have recently identified key molecules that promote ganglion neurite outgrowth and regeneration of synapses. The exciting results set the stage to advance the work for hearing restoration and the treatment of "hidden hearing loss" due to synaptopathy. We use state-of-the-art technologies, including in vitro adult cochlea explant culture, reprogramming, scRNAseq, genome editing, nanoparticle delivery and physiological function study. Our laboratory is at the forefront of developing treatments for hearing loss. We have conducted the first successful OTOF gene therapy clinical trial in children born with complete hearing loss, with the restoration of hearing and speech capability (Lv et al., The Lancet, 2024). The positions present unique and exciting opportunities for candidates interested in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research of advancing basic research to translational applications. using molecular, cellular, genes. tics, gene editing and animal models to study inner ear cell regeneration and to explore the potential for functional recovery of hearing from animal models to humans. The laboratory is part of Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, the largest hearing research center with diverse hearing research programs. A successful candidate (Ph.D, M.D/Ph.D or MD) should have a strong background in the relevant areas (molecular, cellular, genetics, gene editing and animal models) and a track record of scientific publications. Please email a curriculum vita, a description of research accomplishments and names of three references to: Zheng-Yi Chen (617-909-6090) Associate Professor Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School Boston, MA 02114 Zheng-Yi_Chen@meei.harvard.edu Requires an MD or Ph.D in their field of specialty, or equivalent degree. Additional Job Description Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. | |