Director of Basic Science Research

Position Description

The UCSF Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery invites applications for a visionary and accomplished scientific leader to serve as the Director of Basic Science Research for the Bakar Ear & Hearing Institute (BEHI). This role represents a unique opportunity to shape and lead a high-impact, discovery-driven research enterprise focused on the fundamental mechanisms of hearing and deafness, with the ultimate goal of enabling transformative, first‑in‑human therapies.

BEHI is being developed as a premier center for auditory science, integrating basic discovery, translational research, and clinical innovation. The Director of Basic Science Research will serve as the intellectual and strategic anchor of this effort—building a rigorous, externally funded research program while defining a long‑term scientific vision that positions BEHI at the forefront of hearing restoration.

• Lead a high‑impact research portfolio focused on the biological, genetic, and neural mechanisms underlying auditory function and dysfunction, with clear trajectories toward therapeutic innovation
• Build and direct a multidisciplinary research enterprise integrating molecular biology, regenerative medicine, neuroengineering, computational biology, and systems neuroscience
• Establish flagship research programs in areas such as hair cell regeneration, cochlear synaptopathy, central auditory processing, and auditory brain–machine interfaces
• Recruit, develop, and mentor a cohort of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff to create a critical mass of scientific excellence and sustained innovation
• Drive extramural funding success, including NIH (R01, P01, U-series), foundation, and industry‑supported programs, and develop large‑scale, programmatic grants
• Foster bidirectional translation through deep collaboration with clinician‑scientists, ensuring that basic discoveries inform clinical strategy and that clinical insights shape research priorities

The Director will build upon and expand UCSF’s longstanding strengths in auditory science, including the Saul and Ida Epstein Laboratory for Auditory Physiology and Genetics and the John

C. and Edward Coleman Memorial Laboratories—endowed programs with deep expertise in cochlear biology, genetics, neural plasticity, and auditory systems research.

UCSF provides an exceptional ecosystem for interdisciplinary science, offering close connections to leading programs in neuroscience, bioengineering, stem cell biology, and computational biology. BEHI is uniquely positioned to leverage this environment to create convergent, team‑based science that bridges discovery and clinical application.

• Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or an equivalent degree in neuroscience, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline by the time of hire.
• National or international recognition for impactful research and scientific leadership.
• Demonstrated success in securing sustained extramural funding, including NIH support.
• Proven ability to build and lead collaborative, multidisciplinary research programs.
• Strong commitment to mentorship, training, and advancing diversity in the scientific workforce.
• Applicant’s materials must list (pending) qualifications upon submission.

This position offers the opportunity to define the scientific direction of a rapidly growing institute with the ambition to fundamentally change the treatment landscape for hearing loss. The Director will be supported by substantial institutional investment, including research infrastructure, recruitment resources, and access to world‑class clinical and scientific collaborators.

An appointment will be made at an associate or full professor rank commensurate with current academic standing. UCSF offers competitive salaries, research start‑up funds, and recruitment allowances, and has numerous opportunities for faculty development and mentorship.

The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step  Table 5 . The minimum base salary range for this position is $150,200 - $319,800. This position includes…