Senior Principal Research Scholar, Epigenetics

Purdue University; Stoke-on-Trent; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scholar to oversee research projects in genetics and epigenetics. This role includes designing studies, analyzing data, and mentoring team members. Ideal candidates should have a PhD and at least five years of research experience, with strong collaborative and leadership skills. This position offers career stability and the chance for further mentorship before pursuing independent roles.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Tuition remission

Qualifications

• Five years of research experience with at least two years post-doctoral.
• Experience with cross-disciplinary collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee research operations focused on genetics and epigenetics.
• Lead study design and data analysis.
• Mentor lab members and contribute to grant writing.

Skills

Results-focused

Team oriented

Creative scientist

Collaboration

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Overview

The Dunn Lab at Purdue University, led by Dr. Erin C. Dunn, is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scholar of Epigenetics to contribute to pioneering research that integrates social and biological sciences to address mental health challenges. In this role, you will function as a research scientist, supporting the science of the Dunn Lab. You will oversee day-to-day research operations focused on genetics and epigenetics, contributing to study design, data analysis, and the mentorship of lab members. This position offers career stability outside the tenure track and the chance for additional experience and mentorship before pursuing an independent faculty position.

This position is based at the Indianapolis location. Hybrid options, with a combination of remote and on-campus work, may be available.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of genetics and epigenetics research projects.
• Lead study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Mentor lab members, including postdoctoral fellows and research assistants.
• Contribute to grant writing, including identifying funding opportunities and assembling applications.
• Write and present scholarly work for both academic and broader audiences.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.
• Co-develop long-term research strategies in collaboration with Dr. Dunn.
• Execute tasks with a high attention to detail.
• Self-start tasks and find areas for improvement throughout the lab.

What We’re Looking For

Required:

Education and Experience

• PhD in a relevant field; such as epidemiology, public health, genetics, epigenetics, or another social or biological science.
• Five years of research experience, two or more of which are post-doctoral.

Skills

• Results-focused, team oriented, and creative scientist who can work well in a fast-paced and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Able to collaborate on project teams with peers and management in identifying and achieving goals.

Helpful Experience

• Experience with cross-disciplinary collaborations and departments.
• Experience managing teams of 3 or more members.
• Experience in teaching, instruction, or mentorship.

Additional Information

• Purdue will not sponsor an employment related visa for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period

Purdue University is an EO/EA University.

Application Materials

• Must include a cover letter and resume/CV. Your cover letter should include:
• Relevant experience and skills that make you uniquely qualified for this role.
• What interests you about being part of the Dunn Lab team and why you are excited about the opportunity.
• How your experiences, skills, and interests align with the culture of the College of Liberal Arts (#ThinkBroadlyLeadBoldly).

Why Dunn Lab and Purdue

• Be at the Cutting Edge of Discovery: Work at the forefront of research, using interdisciplinary approaches to explore the social and biological factors that contribute to mental health disorders. Our focus on understanding depression risk among women, children, and adolescents, paves the way for groundbreaking prevention strategies.
• Impactful Research: We’ve led pioneering genetic and gene-environment interaction studies, including some of the first genome-wide association studies of depression risk in non-European ancestry populations. We’re also leading studies examining baby teeth as novel biomarkers for mental health risk.
• Collaborate with a Renowned Leader: Dr. Erin Dunn brings extensive experience from Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital. Purdue and a new interdisciplinary Center focus on sociogenomics. You will work alongside experts in genetics, sociology, psychology, and more.
• Career Advancement: You’ll gain valuable experience, mentorship, and a competitive edge for academic or other professional paths.
• Diverse Perspectives: We foster diverse and inclusive teams and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

If you are passionate about advancing the field of mental health research and eager to make a difference, consider joining the Dunn Lab at Purdue University.

Why Purdue University

Purdue University is a powerhouse of innovation and discovery, offering a world-class research environment. As Indiana’s land-grant university and a Carnegie Foundation tier-one research institution, Purdue combines a rich history of education with a commitment to tackling global challenges.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including generous paid sick time and vacation
• Tuition remission (Purdue and Purdue Global)