Offer description
A post-doctoral position for 24 months is available immediately for an advanced scientist in data science and modeling at the Centre for Research and Innovation in Humans (CERIAH) directed by Professor Paul Avan at the Institut de l’Audition, Institut Pasteur, in Paris, France.
We are seeking an outstanding, highly motivated researcher for a project aimed at improving our understanding of how neural coding and speech perception are degraded in individuals with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorders (ANSD) [1]. The project leverages physiologically-informed computational models of the auditory nerve [2] and brainstem to simulate neurograms and guide the development of diagnostic tools based on Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs). Despite normal audiograms, individuals with ANSD often experience severe speech-in-noise difficulties, likely due to disrupted neural synchrony and impaired transmission along the auditory pathway [3], [4]. This research will integrate modeling and empirical ABR data to refine objective measures of neural function and improve clinical strategies for hearing aid optimization in this population.
References:
[1] A. Starr, T. W. Picton, Y. Sininger, L. J. Hood, and C. I. Berlin, “Auditory neuropathy,” Brain, vol. 119, no. 3, pp. 741–753, 1996, doi: 10.1093/brain/119.3.741.
[2] M. S. A. Zilany, I. C. Bruce, P. C. Nelson, and L. H. Carney, “A phenomenological model of the synapse between the inner hair cell and auditory nerve: Long-term adaptation with power-law dynamics,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am., vol. 126, no. 5, pp. 2390–2412, Nov. 2009, doi: 10.1121/1.3238250.
[3] G. Rance, “Auditory Neuropathy/Dys-synchrony and Its Perceptual Consequences,” Trends Amplif., vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1–43, Jan. 2005, doi: 10.1177/108471380500900102.
[4] H. J. Michalewski, A. Starr, T. T. Nguyen, Y.-Y. Kong, and F.-G. Zeng, “Auditory temporal processes in normal-hearing individuals and in patients with auditory neuropathy,” Clin. Neurophysiol., vol. 116, no. 3, pp. 669–680, Mar. 2005, doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2004.09.027.
Institut de l’Audition and CeRIAH
The Institut de l’Audition (Hearing Institute) is an interdisciplinary research institute with the objective of promoting integrative approaches to basic auditory neuroscience, developing innovative diagnostic tools and preventive and curative treatments for hearing disabilities. The Institut de l’Audition brings together world-class researchers from various fields, including neurophysiology, computational neuroscience, auditory cognition, genetics and genomics, cell biology and gene therapy. Most teams associate fundamental researchers and MDs and conduct research protocols applicable to humans with clinicians as co-investigators. The Institute, together with a Parisian hospital, has been selected by the French government to constitute a hospital-university institute (IHU) from 2025. This Institut reConnect will tackle the topic of big data in audio-vestibular patients and the work performed by the engineer will form a solid basis in that perspective.
The Institut de l’Audition, located in the centre of Paris is hosting the Centre for Research and Innovation in Humans (CeRIAH), dedicated to the running of research protocols on human volunteers (excluding clinical trials for drugs). Providing a very complete set of cutting-edge equipment, dedicated staff composed of research audiologists, engineers and project manager and know-how in all the auditory science domains, the CeRIAH aims to increase the understanding of hearing problems, with a view to developing personalized medicine.
Mission
The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with other postdoctoral fellows under the supervision of Prof. Paul Avan, working with diverse datasets collected to improve the diagnosis and follow-up of hearing-impaired patients. Responsibilities will include:
- Developing expertise in audiological test batteries
- Data wrangling, cleaning, and feature engineering
- Applying and implementing statistical or machine learning methods, depending on project objectives
- Participating in the formulation and development of analytical approaches
- Validating and testing methods for clinical applicability
- Documenting results and refining methods for integration into diagnostic tools
- Preparing manuscripts for submission to both medical and machine learning journals
Qualifications
Candidate profile:
Required:
- PhD in mathematics, statistics, data science, computational neuroscience, or a related field
- Strong programming skills in at least one of the following: Python, R, MATLAB, C, or C++
- Demonstrated experience in statistical analysis and/or machine learning methods (e.g., random forests, support vector machines, clustering, logistic regression)
- Proven track record of scientific publication in relevant fields
- Proficiency in scientific English, particularly in writing
Preferred:
- Experience with MATLAB (especially for auditory modeling or signal processing)
- Familiarity with audiological data and test batteries
- Working knowledge of French is a plus
Candidates should be experienced in the use of at least some of the techniques mentioned. The scope of the work can be tailored according to the candidate interests and skills.
We are looking for an autonomous, passionate and friendly person.
The position will be granted for 24 months, with possible renewal according to performance and grant application outcomes. The project will be conducted in Paris, in the brand-new CERIAH, part of Institut de l’Audition which also may provide exciting career opportunities for young talented researchers. Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter mentioning a few referees who might provide a letter of recommendation.
Starting: September 2025 preferred
Gross salary: 30 000 €/y minimum, according to experience
Team: CeRIAH (Prof Paul Avan), Institut de l’Audition, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France. https://www.institut-audition.fr/en/ceriah
Contact: Céline Quinsac (ceriah@pasteur.fr)