University Overview

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.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

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.

Job Profile Title

Research Investigator, Senior

Job Description Summary

The Research Investigator Sr (SRI) will act in a leadership role, overseeing and designing advanced experiments. He/She will assist the Principal Investigator and play a leading role in developing a research program in the advancement of specific area of study and will play a crucial role both in all aspects of research products including development, implementation, and data analysis. In the development stage, the SRI will assess proposed projects by conducting feasibility studies to provide valuable input regarding viability, efficiency, timeline, and study design. In the implementation stage, he/she will supervise and perform the project. This includes overseeing workflow and productivity of lab personnel and providing training to them on specific techniques as necessary. Finally, the SRI will be responsible for data analysis, preparation of manuscripts, and presenting research findings through various forums. Senior Research Investigator must demonstrate the ability to analyze and present data in professional "publication ready" format and to be able to independently prepare manuscripts and grant writings for submission.

Job Description

The Gene Therapy Program (GTP) is entering a new era of unprecedented opportunity with 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.

We are currently looking for a Senior Research Investigator (SRI) to support translational research for neurodegenerative and motor neuron diseases.

As an SRI, Translational Research, you will be involved in translational research projects in one or more therapeutic areas. In each case, you will be working in the setting of large interdisciplinary teams, where you will function independently in the execution of the experiments but will need to work collaboratively with other team members. Working independently, you will perform design, optimization, and implementation of complex in vitro and in vivo experiments in rodents and NHP within specified timelines; provide cross-organizational support for the essential laboratory functions, including effective management of laboratory resources, and participation in maintenance of centralized reagents; contribute to writing/reviewing manuscripts, preparing presentations, establishing collaborations as well as writing/reviewing protocols and SOPs.

This position offers the opportunity to interface broadly internally & externally with diverse functional areas. 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. degree in the field of molecular biology, biochemistry, enzymology, gene therapy, protein engineering, or related field and 5 years of direct laboratory work experience required. Research at GTP requires knowledge of multiple scientific disciplines including molecular and cell biology, protein biochemistry, virology, immunology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology.  Experience in vivo studies strongly preferred. 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 analyses.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$32,000.00 - $204,000.00

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.