Applicants are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar position with Rachel Scheperle, AuD, PhD, in the Cochlear Implant Electrophysiology Lab at the University of Iowa. The position is part of a larger NIDCD P50 project, led by Marlan Hansen, MD.

Research in the laboratory is broadly focused on characterizing the role that the peripheral auditory system plays in determining outcomes for CI users and testing strategies to improve preservation of structure and function. Common measurements include intra-operative and post-operative recordings of impedance, electrically evoked compound action potentials (eCAPs), and acoustically evoked electrocochleography (ECoG). We incorporate more centrally generated electrophysiological measures, psychophysical measures of spectral and temporal processing, and speech perception in various listening conditions in our investigations to determine impact of pathophysiological changes in structural and functional integrity of the peripheral auditory system on central encoding and perceptual outcomes.

The University of Iowa has a rich history of cochlear implant clinical care and research productivity. We have been funded by a NIH/NIDCD P50 Clinical Center grant since 1985. We have a high population of CI users with preserved acoustic hearing. The lab is physically integrated into the CI clinic, allowing for interaction with the clinical CI teams. We collaborate with Bruce Gantz, MD, Inyong Choi, PhD, Bob McMurray, PhD, and Yu-Hsiang Wu, MD, PhD. We work closely with Richard Smith MD, who directs a genetics of hearing loss lab [Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Lab (MORL)] while maintaining a pediatric otology practice. Marlan Hansen also directs an auditory neurobiology lab.

Lab website: https://ci-electrophysiology.lab.uiowa.edu/

The postdoctoral scholar will provide support for research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing results and performing operational duties associated with the laboratory. Key areas of responsibilities include but are not limited to proactively conducting research activities/experiments, developing new hypothesis, collecting, analyzing and summarizing data, troubleshooting experiments, preparing reports, maintaining logbooks, writing manuscripts/publications/grant proposals, administrative and project management, facilities and equipment management, supervision/staffing, and participating in the training of other lab personnel. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and work closely with the principal investigators, as well as other fellows, students, technicians, and clinicians, in a highly collaborative environment integrating clinical and basic science. Independent and creative ideas and approaches are highly encouraged.

Ideal candidates will have translational research interests. Clinical audiology experience including cochlear implant programming or previous experience with hearing-impaired populations is desirable but not required. Skills of subject/patient interaction, project management, and independent work are advantageous. Experience with lab software (e.g. Matlab, Python, SigmaPlot, LabView) will be useful. Applicants will be expected to play a lead role in current research projects but will also have the opportunity to develop independent research projects related to their own interests.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Funding is available for a two-year term with a possibility of renewal dependent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability up to the 5-year maximum limit for postdoctoral appointments.