Postdoctoral Researcher in Neural Interfaces for Hearing Restoration

About the role

The successful candidate will lead auditory neuroscience and in‑vivo research activities within the ERC Starting Grant aTONE, focusing on next‑generation neural interfaces for hearing restoration.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and optimise rodent models of hearing loss and perform advanced microsurgical procedures, including cochlear implantation.
• Design and conduct electrophysiological experiments (ABRs, intracochlear, cortical and chronic recordings) and optogenetic stimulation paradigms.
• Carry out viral vector (AAV) delivery, gene‑transfer strategies and evaluate flexible bioelectronic neural interfaces.
• Perform histological, immunohistochemical and microscopy analyses, analyse data and publish in leading journals.
• Co‑supervise PhD and Master’s students and contribute to research proposals and collaborations.

Required profile

• PhD obtained within the last 6 years in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Neurobiology, Otology or a closely related field.
• Extensive in‑vivo research experience, including stereotaxic surgery and electrophysiology.
• Strong scientific writing record and ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Required skills

• In‑vivo electrophysiology (ABR, intracochlear, cortical recordings)
• Stereotaxic surgery and inner‑ear surgery
• Optogenetics and viral vector (AAV) delivery
• Histology, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy
• Signal processing of electrophysiological data using MATLAB and/or Python

What we offer

• Indefinite‑duration contract with an initial 2‑year term (possibility of extension).
• Salary according to PD1‑PD4 scale for doctoral degree holders.
• 36 days of holiday, bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco‑vouchers.
• Access to training, education opportunities and a multidisciplinary international research environment.