Associate Director D, Research

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

4d•$80,891 - $94,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Boerckel Laboratory in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking an Associate Director D, Research to help develop an interdisciplinary research initiative focused on how embryos build tissues and how mechanical cues regulate embryonic development. This work aims to uncover fundamental principles of tissue morphogenesis and apply them toward tissue engineering strategies that recapitulate these processes for regeneration. This initiative brings together approaches from developmental biology, quantitative imaging, computational modeling, and bioengineering to study how physical forces and mechanical signals shape cell behavior and tissue organization. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in both the scientific and operational directions of the program, working closely with the Principal Investigator and collaborators to guide research strategy and foster interdisciplinary partnerships. In addition, the Associate Director D, Research will oversee day‑to‑day scientific operations, coordinate research activities across multiple projects, and help drive progress across a diverse and collaborative research portfolio. Position contingent on continued funding. The primary purpose of this position is to build an interdisciplinary initiative focused on uncovering the mechanistic principles that govern how embryos build tissues and how mechanical cues regulate embryonic development and translating these insights into new therapeutic targets. Given the scope, the position requires a senior level scientist who will play a central leadership role in coordinating scientific and operational activities of the initiative while working closely with the PI (Joel Boerckel) and key stakeholders. Position contingent on continued funding.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering or related field and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
Intellectual curiosity and high degree of emotional intelligence.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day scientific and operational activities of the research initiative
Coordinate research projects spanning developmental biology, quantitative imaging, computational modeling, and bioengineering
Facilitate communication and collaboration among internal lab members and external collaborators
Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and strategic planning.
Supervise and mentor graduate students and trainees.
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.

Benefits

excellent healthcare
tuition benefits for employees and their families
generous retirement benefits
a wide variety of professional development opportunities
supportive work and family benefits
a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources
comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
generous retirement plans
substantial amount of time away from work
long-term care insurance
flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments.
forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia
reimbursement for eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child