Post-Doctoral Research Fellow - Inner Ear Regeneration

Gene therapy and hair cell regeneration have shown great promise as new treatments for hearing loss that does not have any FDA approved drugs. One major obstacle to achieving treatment efficacy is our inability to deliver genes, mRNA, proteins and other molecules into the inner ear cell types efficiently. Dr. Wang's project is to test new delivery vehicles including viral and non-viral, which can efficiently target diverse inner ear cell types with minimal toxicity. The other project is to optimize hair cell regeneration using human inner ear organoids, with the potential for new treatment for hearing loss.

A postdoctoral fellow position is available on inner ear regeneration for hearing recovery from deafness, using reprogramming, animal models, and bioengineering approaches.

The focus of the project is to regenerate diverse inner ear cell types including hair cells, neurons and other cell types in adult animal models (mice and pigs) and restore hearing from deafness. We have uncovered a major mechanism of Myc/Notch co-activation that induces proliferation and hair cell regeneration in the mature mammalian inner ear (Shu et al., NatCommon 2019). 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, genetics, 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, enhancer design, gene editing and animal models) and a track record of scientific publications.

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.