Job Description

Visiting Scholar – Neuroimmunology & Inner Ear Research

Position Overview

A research laboratory within the Department of Neurology is seeking a Visiting Scholar to contribute to cutting-edge research investigating the role of immune cells, particularly macrophages, in hearing loss. This 18-month training opportunity offers immersive experience in translational neuroimmunology, auditory biology, and advanced genomic and imaging technologies within a collaborative research environment.

The Visiting Scholar will participate in ongoing studies focused on immune cell heterogeneity and macrophage biology in the inner ear during both homeostasis and disease. The position emphasizes advanced research training while supporting ongoing projects examining the origin, spatial organization, and functional specialization of cochlear macrophage populations.

Appointment Period

September 2026 – December 2027 (18 months)

Key Responsibilities

Throughout the appointment, the Visiting Scholar will:

• Participate in research investigating immune cell heterogeneity and macrophage biology in the inner ear.
• Perform cochlear dissection, tissue processing, immunostaining, microscopy, and molecular biology techniques.
• Assist with fate-mapping and lineage-tracing experiments to study macrophage development and turnover.
• Prepare samples for single-cell RNA sequencing and contribute to downstream computational analysis.
• Participate in multiplex imaging and spatial analysis studies.
• Integrate genomic and imaging datasets to characterize cochlear immune cell populations.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data while contributing to troubleshooting and experimental design.
• Present research findings during laboratory meetings and collaborative discussions.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts, figure preparation, and presentations.
• Organize experimental datasets and laboratory protocols to support ongoing collaborative research initiatives.

Training & Professional Development

The Visiting Scholar will receive structured mentorship and hands-on training throughout the appointment, including:

September – December 2026

• Laboratory safety and animal protocol training.
• Cochlear tissue handling and dissection techniques.
• Introduction to inner ear immunology research and experimental design.
• Training in tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and molecular biology methods.
• Introduction to computational workflows for single-cell RNA sequencing analysis.

January – June 2027

• Participation in fate-mapping and lineage-tracing studies.
• Training in single-cell RNA sequencing sample preparation and data analysis.
• Experience with multiplex imaging and spatial biology techniques.
• Regular presentation of research progress during laboratory meetings.

July – September 2027

• Independent execution of selected experiments under supervision.
• Integration of single-cell sequencing and imaging datasets.
• Interpretation of experimental findings and optimization of laboratory methodologies.
• Continued development of computational and transcriptomic analysis skills.

October – December 2027

• Contribution to manuscript preparation and scientific presentations.
• Organization and documentation of experimental datasets and protocols.
• Support for ongoing collaborative research initiatives following completion of the training period.

Learning Opportunities

This position provides extensive training in:

• Neuroimmunology and auditory biology
• Macrophage biology and immune cell heterogeneity
• Single-cell RNA sequencing technologies
• Fate-mapping and lineage-tracing approaches
• Multiplex imaging and microscopy
• Cochlear dissection and tissue processing
• Molecular biology techniques
• Computational biology and transcriptomic data analysis
• Experimental design and data interpretation
• Scientific writing and manuscript development
• Interdisciplinary and international research collaboration

Collaborative Environment

The Visiting Scholar will work closely with faculty investigators, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and laboratory staff in a highly collaborative research environment. The position supports interdisciplinary and international scientific collaboration while providing advanced research training in translational neuroimmunology.

Position Objective

The primary objective of this appointment is to provide advanced research training while contributing to ongoing studies investigating immune cell function in hearing loss. The scholar will develop technical, analytical, and scientific communication skills while supporting high-impact research in inner ear immunology and translational neuroscience.