Associate Director E, Research

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; United States; On-site; USD 94,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine seeks a senior scientist to lead a new interdisciplinary RNA initiative. The role coordinates scientific and operational activities with the PI and stakeholders, driving strategy and collaboration across projects in RNA biology and related fields.

The candidate will oversee day-to-day operations, mentor technicians, and contribute to planning, reporting, and grant development in a collaborative environment on Penn's campus in Philadelphia.

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, structural biology, or a related field with 5–10 years of research beyond the PhD.
• Expertise in RNA biology, RNA–protein interactions, structural biology, computational modeling or chemical biology.
• Interdisciplinary research experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
• High curiosity and emotional intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day scientific and operational activities of the research initiative.
• Coordinate research projects spanning biochemistry, structural biology, computational modeling, and RNA biology.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among internal lab members and external collaborators.
• Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and strategic planning.
• Supervise and mentor 1–2 research technicians and 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.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Organizational skills

Emotional intelligence

RNA biology

RNA–protein interactions

Structural biology

Computational modeling

Chemical biology

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in biochemistry/biophysics

Postdoctoral experience

Job description

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Associate Director E, Research

United States

Apr 21, 2026

$93,500 - $120,000/year

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and 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, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Associate Director E, Research

Job Profile Title

Associate Director E, Research

Job Description Summary

The Tolbert Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania is recruiting a senior research scientist to help build a new interdisciplinary initiative in partnership with the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation focused on uncovering the mechanistic principles that govern RNA–protein complexes and translating these insights into new therapeutic strategies.

This initiative intentionally integrates structural biology, biophysics, computational modeling, chemical biology, and RNA biology to investigate regulatory RNA–protein interactions involved in human and infectious disease. The preferred candidate will play a central leadership role in coordinating the scientific and operational activities of the program while working closely with the Principal Investigator and key stakeholders to drive research strategy and collaborative initiatives.

They will also play a central leadership role in overseeing the day-to-day scientific operations, coordinating research activities across multiple project teams, and helping drive scientific progress across a portfolio of collaborative projects.

Position contingent on continued funding.

Job Description

The primary purpose of this position is to build a new interdisciplinary initiative in partnership with the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation focused on uncovering the mechanistic principles that govern RNA–protein complexes in human disease 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 (Blanton S. Tolbert) and key stakeholders. Position contingent on continued funding.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day scientific and operational activities of the research initiative
• Coordinate research projects spanning biochemistry, structural biology, computational modeling, and RNA biology
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among internal lab members and external collaborators
• Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and strategic planning
• Supervise and mentor 1–2 research technicians and 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

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 7 to 10 years of experience or Masters of Science, Masters of Arts, and 5 to 7 or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, structural biology, or a related field and 5–10 years of research experience beyond the PhD, including postdoctoral and/or industry experience strongly preferred.
• Expertise in at least one relevant area such as RNA biology, RNA–protein interactions, structural biology, computational modeling, or chemical biology.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments is preferred.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
• Intellectual curiosity and high degree of emotional intelligence.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$93,500.00 - $120,000.00 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : 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.

Tuition : 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.

Retirement: 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.

Time Away from Work: 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.

Long-Term Care Insurance: 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.

Wellness and Work-life Resources : 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.

Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

University Resources: 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.

Discounts and Special Services : 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 Hours: 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 Home Ownership Services: 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.

Adoption Assistance: 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.

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine is a leading institution in medical education, research, and clinical care, dedicated to advancing health and knowledge.

Higher Education Education

Company size 5,001–10,000 employees

Company type Educational

Momentum

Momentum

Team growth

5% in 12 mo

1,634 employees on LinkedIn

Feb 23 Apr 26