Training

Our mission is to actively engage students and trainees in research projects and provide hands-on training opportunities in cutting-edge cell biology and physiology.  While we're always interested in hearing from talented people who want to join our research team, potential positions depend on funding and lab space.  Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Rob for more information. 

The lab has trained 3 postdoctoral fellows, 2 gap-year postbac students, 4 undergraduates, 3 ENT residents, 1 year-out medical student, and 1 high school student in addition to current lab trainees. Over the past 4 years, we have had >18 publications and preprints from our lab authored by postdocs, PhD students, ENT residents, and undergrad or high school students. Prior awards/honors to trainees include:
  • I. Kouakou: Travel award, AAAAI annual meeting, 2025
  • N. Darwich: American Head and Neck Society CORE grant, 2024-2025
  • R.D. Wardlow: Departmental Resident Pilot Grant, Department of Otorhionolaryngology, 2023-2024 
  • Z.A. Miller: Blavatnik Family Fellowship in Life Sciences, 2023-2024 
  • Z.A. Miller: Travel Award, 2023 AChemS annual meeting
  • Z.A. Miller: Don Tucker Award finalist, 2023 AChemS annual meeting
  • S. Muthuswami: ABRCMS presentation award, 2022
  • Z.A. Miller: Best oral presentation prize, Physiology Department annual retreat, 2022
  • R.M. Carey: American Head and Neck Society Pilot Grant, 2021
  • R.M. Carey: Department of Otorhinolaryngology Resident Pilot Grant, 2020
  • I. Gopallawa: CF Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2020-2021
  • I. Gopallawa: ASPET travel award for 2020 Experimental Biology meeting
  • I. Gopallawa: ASBMB travel award for 2019 Experimental Biology meeting
  • J.R. Freund: Tishman Scholarship for incoming Einstein Neuroscience PhD student, 2018

Postdoctoral Fellows
Contact Rob for more details regarding whether any postdoc openings are currently available in the lab. 
Requirements:  A PhD in a related biological science (cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, physiology, etc.) with demonstration of successful completion of projects from his/her thesis lab. Experience in cell culture, live cell imaging, and/or electrophysiology is desirable, but not required. An MD will be considered only if paired with extensive research experience. English communication skills (reading, writing, speaking) are essential. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.  

Graduate Students
Our lab is affiliated with the Penn School of Medicine Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) Cell and Molecular Biology (CAMB) group, Cell Biology, Physiology and Metabolism (CPM) sub-group and the Pharmacology Graduate Group.  However, any BGS student could rotate with us.  Contact Rob for more information about potential rotation projects.  

Undergrads, Work-Study Students, Med Students, Post-Bac Students, or Otherwise-Year-Out Students 
Are you interested in getting translational and/or basic science research experience in cell biology, physiology, or otorhinolaryngology?  Are you looking to build your research experience portfolio for grad school, med school, or residency applications?  Contact Rob for details regarding available projects and opportunities, which are strongly dependent upon potential time commitment and available funding.