Job DescriptionDr. Bahareh Ajami invites you to consider this Project Scientist opportunity to join her dynamic team!About the TeamThe Ajami Lab is establishing a new research program at Cedars-Sinai focused on immune mechanisms of hearing loss. The lab has identified three molecularly distinct macrophage populations in the cochlea (manuscript under revision at Immunity). We have developed unique genetic mouse models that allow selective targeting of each population, enabling direct testing of causal roles of immune cells in sensory system pathology.
About the RoleThe Project Scientist works independently and in cooperation with the Principal Investigator to accomplish significant contributions to a research or project in any academic field. The incumbent 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 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.
This position will support the following projects:
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (R01-funded)- Defines how distinct cochlear macrophage populations contribute to injury, synaptic loss, and repair following acoustic trauma.
Congenital CMV & Immune-Mediated Hearing Loss- Establishes and interrogates models of viral-induced hearing loss to determine how macrophage subsets drive or protect against pathology during development.
Primary Duties and 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.
- Assists in day-to-day laboratory activities.
- Appointees on an academic trajectory will be expected to commit a portion of their time to developing an independent range of research.
Department-Specific Responsibilities:- Develops and executes in vivo studies using genetic mouse models.
- Builds and establishes auditory phenotyping platforms (ABR, DPOAE, noise exposure systems) from the ground up.
- Integrates auditory biology with immunological and single-cell approaches.
- Mentors trainees and drive high-impact publications.
QualificationsEducation, Experience, and Skills:- Doctorate degree, required. PhD degree in Audiology, Auditory Neuroscience, Physiology, or closely related field.
- Completion of postdoctoral scholar training as applicable.
- Strong expertise in auditory systems and hearing assessment (ABR, DPOAE, cochlear physiology) is critical for this role.
- Demonstrated experience setting up or running auditory phenotyping platforms is highly desirable.
- Strong track record of independent research and publication.
- Immunology experience is preferred.
- Demonstrated technical proficiency.
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