Postdoctoral Researcher in Neurobiology

University of Pennsylvania; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania invites applications for two PhD/MD candiates to join the Heller Lab in Pharmacology (SPATT). Projects focus on epigenetic remodeling and gene regulation in neuropsychiatric diseases using in vivo epigenetic editing tools. Candidates should have strong backgrounds in neurobiology or molecular biology.

Review will begin immediately; competitive salary above NIH minimum is offered. Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD or MD/PhD required.
• Expertise in neurobiology and/or molecular biology is required.
• Knowledge of protein biochemistry, chromatin biology, and/or bioinformatics (including mathematics and computational biology), behavior, are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to in vivo studies using epigenetic editing tools (e.g., CRISPR/dCas9 fusions).
• Investigate epigenetic mechanisms in neuropsychiatric disorders and behavior.
• Collaborate with the Heller Lab, SPATT, and Penn Epigenetics Institute on project aims.

Skills

Neurobiology

Molecular biology

Protein biochemistry

Chromatin biology

Bioinformatics

Computational biology

Behavior

Education

PhD, MD or MD/PhD required

Job description

Faculty Mentor: Elizabeth A Heller, Ph.D

Department: Pharmacology (SPATT)

Funding Source: PI Grant

Number of Positions: 2

Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals

The Heller Lab studies the mechanisms by which epigenetic remodeling regulates gene function, in the context of neuropsychiatric diseases such as addiction and depression. To approach this problem, we directly manipulate histone and DNA modifications at specific genes in vivo, using viral delivery of novel epigenetic editing tools, such as CRISPR/dCas9-fusion proteins. The Perelman School of Medicine is a world leader in biomedical research, boasting over $800M in annual research funding and ranked third nationwide among the best medical schools in research. The Heller Lab is a member of the Penn Epigenetics Institute and Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, and is housed with the Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics (SPATT). For further information see http://www.med.upenn.edu/hellerlab/.

Current Projects Include

• Histone methyltransferase, Setd2, in substance use disorders, R01DA064336
• Epigenetic mechanisms of sustained transcription across cocaine abstinence, R01DA052465-06
• Sex- and hormone-dependent differences in memory vulnerability to acute traumatic stress, R01MH139931-01
• Epigenetic regulation of Cdk5 in cognition and emotion, R01MH126027-04

PhD, MD or MD/PhD required. Expertise in neurobiology and/or molecular biology is required. Knowledge of protein biochemistry, chromatin biology, and/or bioinformatics (including mathematics and computational biology), behavior, are encouraged. Competitive salary > NIH minimum.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.

Equal Employment 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.