Research Associate

University of Pennsylvania; United (PA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychiatry, seeks a Research Associate to advance projects in Drosophila neurogenetics and sleep research.

Responsibilities include experimental design, Drosophila genetics and behavioral studies, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and mentoring junior lab members. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in neuroscience or related field and have substantial experience using Drosophila to study neural mechanisms of behavior.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, biology, or related field.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research investigating neural and molecular mechanisms underlying interactions between sensory processing and sleep using Drosophila models.
• Design and execute experiments, perform Drosophila genetics and behavioral studies, analyze data, and prepare manuscripts and presentations.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers and contribute to grant applications.

Skills

Drosophila genetics

neuroscience

sleep research

behavioral analysis

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent degree in neuroscience or related field

Tools

Fluorescence imaging

Molecular approaches

Job description

Research Associate

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Open Date: Aug 28, 2026

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

The Department of Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine atthe University of Pennsylvania seeks candidates for a ResearchAssociate position in the Academic Support Staff. This appointmentwill be initially for one (1) year and continuation during thattime period and renewal are based on satisfactory performance andavailability of funding (limited to three (3) years). Expertise isrequired in the specific area of Drosophila neurogenetics andbehavioral neuroscience, with demonstrated experience inquantitative sleep and behavioral analysis, genetic manipulation ofdefined neuronal populations, and experimental investigation ofsensory and neural function. Applicants must have a Ph.D. orequivalent degree.

Responsibilities may include conducting research investigating theneural and molecular mechanisms underlying interactions betweensensory processing and sleep using Drosophila models ofneurodevelopmental disorders. Responsibilities will includeexperimental design and execution, Drosophila genetics andbehavioral studies, analysis and interpretation of data,preparation of manuscripts and presentations, and supervision andmentoring of junior laboratory members.

The successful applicant will have an opportunity to lead ongoingand new studies examining how sensory processing, neural function,and internal state interact to regulate sleep, develop and applygenetic and imaging approaches to investigate underlyingmechanisms, contribute to manuscripts and grant applications, andmentor undergraduate and graduate researchers.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree inneuroscience, biology, or a related field and substantial researchexperience using Drosophila to investigate neural mechanisms ofbehavior. Experience with sleep and/or sensory neuroscience,fluorescence imaging, molecular approaches, quantitative dataanalysis, scientific writing, and mentoring is preferred.

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), citizenshipstatus, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state, or local law.