Senior Research Investigator

Senior Research Investigator

The Department of Neuroscience seeks a Senior Research Investigator to provide scientific leadership for advanced research programs in mammalian somatosensory neurobiology, with a focus on dorsal root ganglion/trigeminal ganglion neurons and spinal cord circuits, pathological pain mechanisms, itch and touch mechanisms, and translational non-opioid therapeutic strategies. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator to conceptualize, develop, and execute rigorous experimental studies that integrate rodent pain models, mouse genetics, circuit-level approaches, molecular and cellular assays, high-resolution imaging, behavioral phenotyping, and quantitative data analysis. This role will also contribute substantially to manuscript preparation, grant development and writing, protocol optimization, laboratory workflow, and the overall intellectual direction of the research program. This position is intended for an experienced scientist who can independently design high-impact experiments, assess feasibility and timelines for complex projects, oversee laboratory workflows, train junior scientists, and drive research products from concept through implementation, analysis, publication, and presentation.

• Lead and design advanced experiments investigating mammalian dorsal root ganglion/trigeminal ganglion neurons, spinal pain circuits, mechanisms underlying somatosensation, such as itch, mechanical nociception, chronic postoperative, inflammatory & neuropathic pain, and etc.
• Perform a broad range of modern neuroscience techniques, such as mouse genetics, intersectional strategies, viral tools, optogenetic/chemogenetic approaches, intrathecal or intra-DRG delivery, spinal circuit manipulation, and cutting-edge behavioral assays (using AI and high-speed imaging algorithms).
• Perform and supervise molecular, anatomical, behavioral, and quantitative workflows, including RNAscope, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, tissue sectioning, PCR/RT-PCR, data collection, data management, and analysis using mouse and human spinal cord/DRG tissue where appropriate.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, protocols, progress reports, and grant proposals; oversee laboratory workflow, protocol development, quality control, compliance, and training of students, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and other research personnel.
• Oversee laboratory operations, workflow, protocol implementation, quality control, and compliance: assist the PI, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and lab personnel with experimental procedures and analysis; support grant development; perform data analysis, interpretation, and preparation of figures, reports, manuscripts, and presentations; conduct molecular, biochemical, anatomical, and animal-based neuroscience assays, including PCR/RT-PCR, RNAscope, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, and behavioral assays; develop and maintain protocols, SOPs, documentation, and analysis pipelines.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy, and 5 to 7 years of postdoctoral experience is required.

Position is contingent upon continued funding.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$80,891.00 - $105,000.00 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.