Neural Interface Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.
Position Information
Position/Rank
Tenure-Track Faculty Position - Hearing & Vestibular Research
Department
00261 - Otolaryngology
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Track
Tenure Track
New Position to Begin
Summer/Fall 2026
Details
Assistant/Associate Professor or Professor
Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine | University of Utah
The Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at any rank focused on hearing and vestibular research. A focus of cochlear implant research is preferred. This recruitment reflects the department's strategic investment in translational auditory and balance science and its commitment to deep interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering and communication sciences and disorders.
Position Overview
We seek a PhD-level investigator with an established, externally funded research program in hearing loss, cochlear implants, auditory neuroscience, vestibular function, or related neural interface technologies. The successful candidate will play a central role in growing and leading a multidisciplinary research program that bridges engineering innovation with clinical otology and neurotology.
This position is ideal for a scientist whose work integrates basic discovery, engineering-driven solutions, and translational relevance, with the goal of improving diagnosis, treatment, and restoration of hearing and balance function.
Key Responsibilities

• Establish, lead, and expand an independent research program focused on auditory and/or vestibular science.
• Develop sustained collaborations with other departments, including the Department of Biomedical Engineering and related campus institutes to advance auditory/vestibular research.
• Partner with clinician-scientists in Otolaryngology- HNS to translate discoveries into clinical trials, devices, and improved patient outcomes.
• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty.
• Contribute to the department's national and international reputation in hearing and vestibular research.

Collaborative Environment
The University of Utah offers an exceptional interdisciplinary research ecosystem. The Department of Biomedical Engineering is among the nation's most established programs and maintains strong integration with the health sciences. Faculty benefit from access to:

• Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute
• Neuroscience Initiative
• Nano Institute
• Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building
• Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research Institute
• A highly collaborative clinical otology and neurotology program within Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Joint appointments and cross-departmental collaborations are strongly supported and encouraged.
Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, Audiology, or a related field
• Established record of extramural research funding (NIH R01 or equivalent)
• Strong publication record in hearing, vestibular, or neural interface research
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative, interdisciplinary research programs
• Commitment to mentorship, innovation, and inclusive academic excellence

Rank & Compensation

• Appointment commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Competitive start-up package, protected research time, and access to shared research infrastructure
• Opportunities for joint appointments, leadership roles, and industry/entrepreneurial engagement

Why Utah
The University of Utah is a research-intensive institution with a strong culture of collaboration, innovation, and translation. The department is committed to building a nationally recognized program in hearing and vestibular science, leveraging cross-departmental partnerships to drive discovery and clinical impact.
Applicants must apply at:
https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/194715
For additional information, contact:
Jason P. Hunt, MD, MS, FACS
Professor and Chair
Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
University of Utah School of Medicine
30 North Mario Capecchi Dr.
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 Phone: (801) 585-5450
E-mail: jason.hunt@hsc.utah.eduThe University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Information
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
Notice
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
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Special Instructions for Candidates
Open Date
01/12/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Requisition Number
PRN03994F
Type
Faculty