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The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

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The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Lead Researcher (Gene Therapy Program)

Job Profile Title

Associate Director E

Job Description Summary

The Gene Therapy Program (GTP) is entering a new era of unprecedented opportunity with the great potential to reshape the face of medicine as we know it. Our discoveries have set the stage for successful treatments and possibly even cures for devastating genetic diseases.

The laboratory of Dr. Jim Wilson, at GTP of the University of Pennsylvania, has been a leader in the development of innovative vector technology for close to three decades. We have emerged as the “go-to” organization for public and private partners, who want to participate in the gene therapy space. Currently, we are positioned to lead another round of vector innovation and establish pre-clinical and clinical proof-of-concept in therapeutic applications of in-vivo genome editing.

Continuation of all GTP positions is contingent upon grant funding.

Job Description

Due to the continued growth of our program, we are searching for a new Lead Researcher to lead gene therapy-related research projects, performing both theoretical and bench research.

As a Lead Researcher, you will work with research leadership to understand research objectives and essential details that will contribute to developing the work-plan for research projects. In each case, you will be working in the setting of large interdisciplinary teams, where you will function in the execution of in vitro and in vivo experiments while working cross-functionally with core labs and resources. Working independently, you will perform design, optimize, and implement complex experiments within specified time lines. You will work closely with GTP's Project Managers to assure that the research program adheres to the work plan and stays within budget. Also, you will have the opportunity to present research both externally and internally, as well as contribute to writing/reviewing manuscripts, protocols, and SOPs.

This position offers the opportunity to interface broadly with internal & external stakeholders, including representatives of GTP's biopharmaceutical collaborators.

Joining GTP offers scientific professionals the unique opportunity of seeing their research go from bench to bedside and discoveries that could one day lead to cures.

Qualifications:

• Ph. D. / MD / DVM degree in the field of molecular biology, biochemistry, enzymology, virology, protein engineering, or related field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant research experience required.
• Experience working in industry preferred, but not required.
• The successful candidate must thrive in a team environment, have excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment, and proficiency with standard methods of data analysis.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$72,837.00 - $138,391.00

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.