Research Investigator, Senior

University of Pennsylvania

About The Position

The Dowling Lab focuses on childhood muscle diseases, particularly muscle disorders that present in infancy, including congenital myopathies and congenital muscular dystrophies. Using a combinatorial approach that includes new gene discovery, model organism development, viral and non-viral gene therapies, and both targeted and large-scale screening drug discovery approaches, the Dowling lab is dedicated to uncovering disease mechanisms and advancing therapy development. We are seeking significant molecular biology experience to facilitate a diverse set of projects. The successful candidate will have: -Extensive cell culture experience for the differentiation of iPS cells into various disease models. -Experience developing assays -Extensive experience in human genetics, genetic engineering, assay development, western blotting, RNA analysis , multiplex immunoassays is preferred. -Significant molecular biology and design of animal model therapy validation experiments. In addition to the duties listed above. The selected applicant is expected to be highly independent and drive the adaptation of new technologies in the lab, and identify new areas of interest for research in the development of gene therapy approaches. The applicant will also be expected to drive the writing of grants and manuscripts. The applicant will be expected to work highly collaboratively, helping to guide the development of projects for junior lab members.

Requirements

Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy, and 5 to 7 years of postdoctoral experience is required.
Expertise with cell culture, molecular biology, genetics and assay development.
History of writing successful grant applications and mentoring the grant applications of junior lab members.
Extensive experience in independent and collaborative writing of manuscripts and review papers.
Self-driven initiative to work independently, strong organizational skills.
Proven ability to drive an independent research project.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience in human genetics, genetic engineering, assay development, western blotting, RNA analysis , multiplex immunoassays is preferred.
Experience in developing tools that are aimed at the clinic is preferred.

Responsibilities

Drive the adaptation of new technologies in the lab
Identify new areas of interest for research in the development of gene therapy approaches
Drive the writing of grants and manuscripts
Work highly collaboratively, helping to guide the development of projects for junior lab members

Benefits

Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.