Research Investigator Senior

University of Pennsylvania

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

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

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.