Project Scientist – Inner Ear Research & Cochlear Gene Therapy – Otolaryngology

Principal Investigator Dr. Volkan Ergin is seeking a Project Scientist to join the Ergin Lab in the Department of Otolaryngology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Effective gene therapies require both efficient delivery vehicles and well-designed therapeutic cargos. The Ergin Lab addresses these challenges by engineering next-generation AAV vectors for targeted gene delivery to cochlear cell populations and developing innovative genetic cargo designs for inherited and acquired forms of hearing loss.

A substantial portion of this role involves hands-on animal research, including mouse models of acquired hearing loss, cochlear microsurgery, therapeutic delivery, and auditory functional testing. The position offers a unique opportunity to gain expertise across multiple disciplines, spanning gene therapy, synthetic biology, high-throughput screenings, and translational therapeutic development.

Dr. Ergin brings experience from both academia and industry, providing valuable mentorship for trainees interested in academic careers, industry positions, or entrepreneurial ventures. Postdoctoral fellows will be encouraged to pursue independent funding opportunities, including NIH K99/R00 awards and other career development mechanisms.

What will you be doing in this role? The Project Scientist works independently and in cooperation with the Principal Investigator to make significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in any academic discipline. The Project Scientist may be an ongoing member of a research team or may be employed for a limited period of time to contribute high-level skills to a specific research or creative program.

Project Scientists are not required to carry out independent research or to develop an independent research reputation and do not have teaching responsibilities. Ordinarily, the Project Scientist title will carry out research or creative programs as well as administration of day-to-day lab operations with supervision by a member of the Professorial Series.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities May assist in preparation of grant proposals, submissions, publications and presentations but is not responsible for generating grant funds. May serve as PI for certain grants as approved by supervising member of the Professorial Series. May participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author.

May develop, adapt and implement new research techniques and protocols. Assists in lab experiments. Analyzes, interprets, summarizes and compiles data. May lead or train Staff Research Associates and Research Fellows. Will assist in day-to-day laboratory activities. Experience with mouse breeding, colony management, husbandry, and experimental planning Appointees on an academic trajectory will be expected to commit a portion of their time to developing an independent range of research.

Education, Experience & Skills Requirements: PhD, MD, MD/PhD, VMD, AuD or equivalent doctoral degree. Postdoctoral experience in inner ear research, preferred. Experience performing auditory function tests, including ABR and DPOAE in mice, preferred. Hands-on experience with cochlear injection techniques, preferred. Experience working with mouse models under IACUC-approved protocols, preferred.

Experience with acquired hearing loss mouse models is a plus.