Research Associate

Upenn; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Associate in the Department of Psychiatry. The appointment is initially for one year with possible renewal based on performance and funding. Candidates should have a Ph.D.

or equivalent and strong background in Drosophila neurogenetics, sleep and sensory neuroscience. Responsibilities include experimental design and execution, genetics and behavioral studies, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments on Drosophila to study neural and molecular mechanisms of sleep and sensory processing.
• Perform genetics and behavioral studies, analyze data, and interpret results.
• Prepare manuscripts and presentations; mentor junior lab members.

Skills

Drosophila neurogenetics

Behavioral neuroscience

Sleep analysis

Genetic manipulation

Quantitative data analysis

Scientific writing

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent degree

Tools

Fluorescence imaging

Drosophila genetics

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.

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.