Stanford University School of Medicine Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery
Stem Cell Biologist
Stanford University School of Medicine Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94306
The Stankovic Laboratory and Heller Laboratory at Stanford University School of Medicine invite applications for 3 postdoctoral positions in stem cell biology, organoid model systems, and inner ear regeneration. The two laboratories, led by Dr. Konstantina Stankovic, Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS), and Dr. Stefan Heller, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and OHNS, integrate molecular, cellular, genetic, and system electrophysiology approaches to understand and treat inner ear disorders. Postdoctoral fellows will receive individualized mentorship, opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, and support for career development and grant writing.
Successful candidates will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment within the Stanford Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery and Stanford University, with access to world-class facilities and mentorship in stem cell and regenerative biology, neuroscience, and translational hearing research.
These positions are supported by a funded California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) grant focused on developing human stem cell-derived models of hearing loss and regenerative therapies for sensorineural hearing loss. This exciting line of research aims to create a validated human in vitro model of the inner ear and to define strategies to stimulate sensory cell regeneration in humans.
The postdoctoral scholars will participate in research related to:
Establishing robust protocols for generating mature otic sensory and neuronal cell types from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Mapping the timing of human otic cell maturation and quiescence in vitro.
Building an inner ear in a dish model to study sensory hair cell loss and regeneration.
Identifying roadblocks to hair cell regeneration by manipulating developmental signaling pathways and screening compounds that promote supporting cell reprogramming.
Qualifications Required:
PhD (or equivalent) in stem cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise in cell culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (ESCs or iPSCs).
Strong experimental skills in molecular and cellular biology, including techniques such as RNA/protein expression analysis, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy.
Ability to design, execute, and interpret independent experiments.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with a strong publication record commensurate with training level.
Preferred:
Experience generating or analyzing 3D organoid systems, particularly neural or sensory organoids.
Familiarity with single-cell RNA sequencing, lineage tracing, or time-course transcriptomics.
Knowledge of developmental signaling pathways (Wnt, Notch, Hippo) and their manipulation.
Experience with drug screening, high-content imaging, or functional assays of sensory or neuronal activity.
Computational or bioinformatics experience for analysis of omics data.
Application Materials Please send the following materials in a single PDF to Rachel McGowan (rmcgowan@stanford.edu) with the subject line Postdoctoral Application – Stem Cell Biologist:
Cover letter describing your background, programming experience, and research interests
Curriculum vitae
Contact information for three references
(Optional but encouraged) Copies of 1-2 authored publications.
Additional Information Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. The start date is flexible.
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Successful candidates will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment within the Stanford Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery and Stanford University, with access to world-class facilities and mentorship in stem cell and regenerative biology, neuroscience, and translational hearing research.
These positions are supported by a funded California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) grant focused on developing human stem cell-derived models of hearing loss and regenerative therapies for sensorineural hearing loss. This exciting line of research aims to create a validated human in vitro model of the inner ear and to define strategies to stimulate sensory cell regeneration in humans.
The postdoctoral scholars will participate in research related to:
Establishing robust protocols for generating mature otic sensory and neuronal cell types from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Mapping the timing of human otic cell maturation and quiescence in vitro.
Building an inner ear in a dish model to study sensory hair cell loss and regeneration.
Identifying roadblocks to hair cell regeneration by manipulating developmental signaling pathways and screening compounds that promote supporting cell reprogramming.
Qualifications Required:
PhD (or equivalent) in stem cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise in cell culture and differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (ESCs or iPSCs).
Strong experimental skills in molecular and cellular biology, including techniques such as RNA/protein expression analysis, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy.
Ability to design, execute, and interpret independent experiments.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with a strong publication record commensurate with training level.
Preferred:
Experience generating or analyzing 3D organoid systems, particularly neural or sensory organoids.
Familiarity with single-cell RNA sequencing, lineage tracing, or time-course transcriptomics.
Knowledge of developmental signaling pathways (Wnt, Notch, Hippo) and their manipulation.
Experience with drug screening, high-content imaging, or functional assays of sensory or neuronal activity.
Computational or bioinformatics experience for analysis of omics data.
Application Materials Please send the following materials in a single PDF to Rachel McGowan (rmcgowan@stanford.edu) with the subject line Postdoctoral Application – Stem Cell Biologist:
Cover letter describing your background, programming experience, and research interests
Curriculum vitae
Contact information for three references
(Optional but encouraged) Copies of 1-2 authored publications.
Additional Information Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. The start date is flexible.
#J-18808-Ljbffr