"Research Investigator Senior"

Job Description Summary

The Gandal Lab at Penn/CHOP studies the genetic underpinnings of human brain and behavioral development throughout the lifespan, with a focus on better understanding and treatment neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. This Research Investigator role will help design, conduct, and oversee cutting edge experiments performing genomic profiling in human brain tissues and cell culture models of the developing brain. The incumbent will assist the principal investigator and play a leading role in developing an experimental genomic research program to advance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. The Research Investigator will oversee workflow and productivity and provide training on specific experimental techniques as necessary. The Research Investigator will also contribute to data analysis, preparation of manuscripts and grant applications, and presenting research findings through various forums.

Job Description

The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is the oldest and one of the finest medical schools in the United States. Penn is rich in tradition and heritage and at the same time consistently at the forefront of new developments and innovations in medical education and research. Since its founding in 1765 the School has been a strong presence in the community and prides itself on educating the leaders of tomorrow in patient care, biomedical research, and medical education. http://www.med.upenn.edu/.

An NIH funded Research Investigator position is open in the Gandal Lab to investigate psychiatric genetic risk mechanisms in the developing human brain through single cell and long-read genomic sequencing techniques. The Gandal Lab leverages human brain functional genomics to uncover the biological mechanisms underlying genetic risk for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Specifically, we are looking for a Research Investigator to supervise and conduct single-cell and bulk tissue genomics experiments (e.g., short and long read RNA-sequencing, ATAC-sequencing) in human brain tissue and stem-cell based models of the developing human brain. Applicants with a PhD in a biological discipline with wet lab experience running sequencing based genomics assays are encouraged to apply. Computational experience is required. The candidate will be embedded within a multidisciplinary team and will have opportunities to lead international collaborations.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Design, implementation, and analysis of single cell RNA and multi-omic sequencing data using human brain tissues and neuronal cell culture models
• Design, implementation, and analysis of third-generation long read RNA-sequencing experiments using human brain tissues and neuronal cell culture models
• Presentation of results at local, national, and international conferences and workshops
• Writing of manuscripts
• Contributing to grant applications

Qualifications

MD, PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree and 5 years of postdoctoral experience required. The successful candidate should have a demonstrated ability for independent and critical thinking, strong oral and written communication skills in English, and at least one first author publication.

Background check required. Position contingent on funding.

Working Conditions

Office, Library, Computer Room; Requires extensive safety

Physical Effort

Typically sitting at a desk or table; Occasional lifting 25 lb. or less

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$79,500.00 - $100,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.