At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission—from doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve.
At Mass General Brigham, we believe a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare — people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds – to apply.
Job Summary
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
Qualifications
Requires an MD or Ph.D in their field of specialty, or equivalent degree.
Additional Job Details (if applicable)
Additional Job Description
Remote Type
Onsite
Work Location
243-245 Charles Street
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Employee Type
Regular
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)
EEO Statement:
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Affirmative Action 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.
Mass General Brigham Competency Framework
At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.