Dr. Kirupa Suthakar, Principal Investigator (PI) of the Descending Auditory Circuits (DAC) Laboratory, invites applications for a highly motivated post-doctoral fellow with expertise in auditory neuroscience. The ideal candidate will have previous basic science laboratory experience including rodent handling and colony management, rodent survival surgeries, auditory function testing, neurophysiology, microscopy, complex statistical analysis and coding in MATLAB/Python.

The lab’s research focuses on understanding neural circuits in the descending auditory system, specifically how auditory brainstem neurons encode acoustic information and identifying/characterizing neuromodulatory (e.g. serotonergic) pathways that influence sound processing in the brain and cochlea. Using normal hearing and noise-induced hearing loss models, our long-term goals are to (1) improve basic knowledge of brain processes that modulate sound encoding by the cochlea and (2) identify translatable therapeutic otoprotective targets to reduce susceptibility to hearing disorders resulting from acoustic overexposures (i.e. noise trauma).

This position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a collaborative research network spanning both The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW). Located in the brand-new Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (TI-BMES) building, the successful applicant will have access to cutting edge equipment/technologies through core facilities at both UTD Richardson and UTSW Dallas campuses in addition to those contained within the lab. As part of the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing, the lab works closely with other basic science laboratories and is uniquely positioned to collaborate with clinicians and audiologists to bridge basic science and clinical research.

The post-doctoral fellow will be responsible for leading research using rodent (mouse) models, consisting of neuroanatomical circuit mapping (survival surgeries, brain/cochlear tissue preparation, immunohistochemistry, microscopy), in-vivo sound evoked neurophysiology (auditory function testing, single unit electrophysiology), in-vitro whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiology from brain slices (pharmacology), optogenetics and animal behavior. Enthusiastic commitment to basic scientific research in auditory neuroscience and experience working with rodent models and colony management are required for this position.

This position is intended to provide the experience in publishing, presenting, grant-writing, and graduate/undergraduate mentorship necessary to prepare the fellow for an Assistant Professor position.

The anticipated start date for this position is January 2026.

Ph.D in a related field.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Remote Work: This position is on-site and in-person only. The option to work remotely on tasks such as writing or data analysis may be discussed on an ad hoc basis.

Travel: This position may be subject to local travel for training/development or conference attendance.

The position requires working between the Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (TI-BMES) locations at both the UTD Richardson and UTSW Dallas campuses.

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee-friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefit package including:
Competitive Salary
Tuition Benefits
Internal Training
Medical insurance – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Long and short-term disability
Retirement Plan Options
Paid time off
Paid Holidays All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

To apply, please submit:
· A cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications
· Your CV or resume
· Contact information for 2–3 references

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.