Associate Director E, Research
About the role
The Tolbert Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania is recruiting a senior research scientist to help build a new interdisciplinary initiative in partnership with the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation focused on uncovering the mechanistic principles that govern RNA-protein complexes and translating these insights into new therapeutic strategies.
Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day scientific and operational activities of the research initiative
- Coordinate research projects spanning biochemistry, structural biology, computational modeling, and RNA biology
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among internal lab members and external collaborators
- Contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and strategic planning
- Supervise and mentor 1–2 research technicians and help coordinate the work of trainees
- Aid in program management including meetings, project tracking and reporting
- Support manuscript preparation, grant development, and scientific reporting
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 7 to 10 years of experience or Masters of Science, Masters of Arts, and 5 to 7 or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, structural biology, or a related field and 5–10 years of research experience beyond the PhD, including postdoctoral and/or industry experience strongly preferred.
- Expertise in at least one relevant area such as RNA biology, RNA-protein interactions, structural biology, computational modeling, or chemical biology.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments is preferred.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
- Intellectual curiosity and high degree of emotional intelligence.
Benefits
The University of Pennsylvania 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.