Research Associate

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine seeks a Research Associate for the Academic Support Staff. The appointment will initially be for one year, with renewal based on performance and funding. The role focuses on Drosophila neurogenetics, sleep, and behavioral neuroscience, requiring a Ph.D.

or equivalent. The successful candidate will lead experiments, conduct genetics and behavioral studies, analyze data, and contribute to manuscripts and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree required in neuroscience, biology, or related field.
• Experience with Drosophila to investigate neural mechanisms of behavior is essential.
• Experience with sleep and/or sensory neuroscience, imaging or molecular approaches is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on neural and molecular mechanisms linking sensory processing and sleep using Drosophila models.
• Design and execute experiments, perform Drosophila genetics and behavioral studies.
• Analyze and interpret data, prepare manuscripts and presentations.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers and supervise junior lab members.

Skills

Drosophila neurogenetics

Sleep data analysis

Behavioral neuroscience

Genetic manipulation

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent

Tools

Fluorescence imaging

Molecular biology techniques

Job description

University of Pennsylvania: Perelman School of Medicine: Perelman School of Medicine - Psychiatry

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Open Date: Aug 28, 2026

Deadline: Aug 28, 2028 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description The Department of Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania seeks candidates for a Research Associate position in the Academic Support Staff. This appointment will be initially for one (1) year and continuation during that time period and renewal are based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding (limited to three (3) years). Expertise is required in the specific area of Drosophila neurogenetics and behavioral neuroscience, with demonstrated experience in quantitative sleep and behavioral analysis, genetic manipulation of defined neuronal populations, and experimental investigation of sensory and neural function. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.

Responsibilities may include conducting research investigating the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying interactions between sensory processing and sleep using Drosophila models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Responsibilities will include experimental design and execution, Drosophila genetics and behavioral studies, analysis and interpretation of data, preparation of manuscripts and presentations, and supervision and mentoring of junior laboratory members.

The successful applicant will have an opportunity to lead ongoing and new studies examining how sensory processing, neural function, and internal state interact to regulate sleep, develop and apply genetic and imaging approaches to investigate underlying mechanisms, contribute to manuscripts and grant applications, and mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, biology, or a related field and substantial research experience using Drosophila to investigate neural mechanisms of behavior. Experience with sleep and/or sensory neuroscience, fluorescence imaging, molecular approaches, quantitative data analysis, scientific writing, and mentoring is preferred.