Creation of a new research group at the Hearing Institute, Institut Pasteur, Paris

Overview

Converting advances in auditory neuroscience into innovative inner ear therapies for deafness

Major advances in the field of auditory research— particularly the development of its molecular dimension through genetics— have filled critical knowledge gaps, paving the way to the first curative treatment for deafness, gene therapy for otoferlin deficiency. The Hearing Institute, research center of the Institut Pasteur with Inserm as supervisory institution, has played a pioneering role in these developments, and is seeking to recruit the next generation of scientific group leaders (junior to mid-career level) to develop creative research to alleviate and cure deafness through innovative approaches.

Experts in inner ear therapy including pharmacological treatment, gene/epigenetic therapy and cell therapy are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to the identification and development of biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring the effects of candidate therapies.

Given that pathophysiological mechanisms underlying auditory deficits are common to other diseases, we also encourage scientists with expertise in these shared fields to manifest their interest, and particularly welcome scientists working on infection-related deafness. Scientists whose research relates to one or more of the following themes are invited to apply:

• Genetics and epigenetics of inner ear disorders
• Molecular and cellular pathophysiological mechanisms of hearing and balance disorders , including genetic forms of hearing loss (with or without vestibular dysfunction) and other forms, such as infection- or age-related and noise-induced hearing loss, explored by cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary approaches
• Clinical and translational genomics for hearing and balance disorders (variant interpretation, gene/variant curation, clinical-grade pipelines, integration with audiologic phenotyping, and return-of-results frameworks)
• Regulation of gene expression in inner ear cells , including regulatory elements, and the modulation of their dynamics in normal and pathological conditions
• Homeostasis of inner ear and auditory system tissue (epithelium, vessels, neurons/glia)
• Energy metabolism , oxidative stress, inflammation, cell plasticity and degeneration
• Innovative therapeutic strategies for inner-ear disorders , involving viral and non-viral gene delivery methods, innovative animal models, organoids, and ex vivo/in vitro approaches. These include gene supplementation, silencing, and editing therapies, as well as innovative pharmacological and cell-based regenerative approaches aiming to preserve or restore auditory and balance functions
• Biomarker discovery with a deep understanding of pathogenic mechanisms monitored to advance diagnosis, prognosis, and tracking of disease progression as well as the effects of candidate therapeutic agents on hearing and balance disorders
• If you are eager to translate fundamental biological discoveries into impactful therapies, you will find exceptional opportunities for scientific development and collaboration.

The selected candidate will join the Hearing Institute located in the heart of Paris 12th, one of the cities with the greatest number of neuroscience labs in the world.

The Hearing Institute is co-funded by the Institut Pasteur, Fondation Pour l’Audition, Inserm and CNRS. It hosts 12 research groups. The institute works in close collaboration with clinical teams including ENT experts, neurology, neurosurgery and speech therapy. It offers an unparalleled research environment with state-of-the-art laboratories.

Four research platforms are available on site, as well as the Center for Innovation in Human Audiology and 20 other technology platforms including biostatistics at the Institut Pasteur Campus (Paris 15th).

Priority will be given to candidates who are in the consolidating phase of their career, i.e., less than 12 years after PhD at the time of submission. Outstanding candidates who do not meet these criteria may nevertheless be considered.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Institut Pasteur and the Hearing Institute’s supervisory bodies are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive research community. We believe that diversity in all forms enriches scientific inquiry and drives innovation. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and supportive work environment where all individuals feel welcome and valued. We actively encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to the diversity and excellence of our community. We are dedicated to providing equitable opportunities for all individuals and to maintaining a welcoming, respectful work environment.