Associate Director E, Research

Job Description Summary

The Tolbert Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania is recruiting a senior research scientist to help build a new interdisciplinary initiative in partnership with the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation focused on uncovering the mechanistic principles that govern RNA-protein complexes and translating these insights into new therapeutic strategies.

This initiative intentionally integrates structural biology, biophysics, computational modeling, chemical biology, and RNA biology to investigate regulatory RNA-protein interactions involved in human and infectious disease. The preferred candidate will play a central leadership role in coordinating the scientific and operational activities of the program while working closely with the Principal Investigator and key stakeholders to drive research strategy and collaborative initiatives.

They will also play a central leadership role in overseeing the day-to-day scientific operations, coordinating research activities across multiple project teams, and helping drive scientific progress across a portfolio of collaborative projects.

Position contingent on continued funding.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day scientific and operational activities of the research initiative
• Coordinate research projects spanning biochemistry, structural biology, computational modeling, and RNA biology
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among internal lab members and external collaborators
• Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and strategic planning
• Supervise and mentor 1-2 research technicians and help coordinate the work of trainees
• Assist with program management including meetings, project tracking and reporting
• Support manuscript preparation, grant development, and scientific reporting
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 7 to 10 years of experience or Masters of Science, Masters of Arts, and 5 to 7 or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, structural biology, or a related field and 5-10 years of research experience beyond the PhD, including postdoctoral and/or industry experience strongly preferred.
• Expertise in at least one relevant area such as RNA biology, RNA-protein interactions, structural biology, computational modeling, or chemical biology.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments is preferred.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
• Intellectual curiosity and high degree of emotional intelligence.