A grant funded, full-time, regular fiscal appointment for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar is available in the Balmer Lab in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University to study the neurophysiological mechanisms of hearing. The postdoctoral scholar is within five years from receipt of the doctoral degree. We are looking for highly motivated individuals interested in auditory neuroscience and synaptic physiology. We investigate neurophysiological mechanisms on multiple levels of analysis and utilize in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology, viral tracing and optogenetics. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience using whole-cell patch clamp recording in acute brain slices and a strong record of publications. Responsibilities will include performing experiments, data analysis, manuscript preparation and collaborating effectively with members of the lab. Anticipated start date is Fall 2026, but remains flexible for applicants with desired qualifications. Please see balmerlab

Campus/Location: Tempe Campus

Salary Range: $62,232 - $75,564

About the School of Life Sciences

The School of Life Sciences has provided a vital hub for creative excellence at Arizona State University, with a community of more than 670 faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and staff, and research that ranges from studies on biodiesel and biohydrogen to vaccine development and the conservation of desert tortoises. As ASU’s first academic unit to fully reflect President Michael Crow’s integrated, interdisciplinary vision for the New American University, the School of Life Sciences offers active and evolving platforms for collaborative, cutting-edge research and faculty whose discovery is freed from traditional institutional boundaries. To learn more about The School of Life Sciences, please visit https://sols.asu.edu/.

About The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University, committed to improving communities on a local, national and global scale. We support the professional development and growth of our faculty and staff in their cutting-edge research to advance these aims. Within The College, our faculty engage with a large curious student body, guiding them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers and writers able to succeed in a wide range of careers and to address the challenges of the twenty-first century. Advancing the success of our students remains our top priority. To learn more about The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit https://thecollege.asu.edu.

About Arizona State University

ASU exemplifies a new prototype for the American public research university. As articulated in the ASU Charter, ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.

Essential Functions:

• Design and conduct independent and collaborative research experiments in auditory neuroscience and synaptic physiology.
• Utilize neurophysiological research techniques such as viral tracing, optogenetics, electrophysiology, and related laboratory methods.
• Analyze, interpret, and manage experimental data using appropriate statistical and scientific software tools.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional and research safety protocols.
• Prepare grant applications, manuscripts, presentations, and other scholarly materials.
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and professional seminars.
• Collaborate effectively with other lab members and mentor junior laboratory members in experimental techniques and research activities.

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD (or terminal degree) in a relevant field such as neuroscience or biology, by the time of appointment
• Strong record of scholarly achievement
• Capacity to work effectively in a research laboratory with mice
• Excellent communication skills, technical abilities and be independent, curious and motivated

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience with in vitro brain slice electrophysiology
• Previous experience with in vivo electrophysiology
• Previous experience with in viral tracing and anatomical analysis
• Previous experience with computational modeling
• Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students and communities to advance the ASU Charter

The application deadline is June 27, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following application materials

1. Cover letter describing research interests and career goals. Applicants should summarize experience and explain how it preapares them for the position.
2. Curriculm vitae or resume
3. Contact information (name, email, and phone) for three professional references

Contact: Tim Balmer, Assistant Professor: Timothy.Balmer@asu.edu