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Posted Job Title

Senior Research Investigator - Cremins Lab - Penn Engineering

Job Profile Title

Research Investigator, Senior

Job Description Summary

The Cremins lab works at the spatial biology-technology interface to understand chromatin-to-synapse communication during neural circuit activation in the mammalian brain. We aim to understand how chromatin works through long-range physical folding mechanisms to encode neuronal specification and long-term synaptic plasticity in healthy and diseased neural circuits. We pursue a multi-disciplinary approach integrating data across biological scales in the brain, including molecular Chromosome-Conformation-Capture sequencing technologies, single-cell imaging, optogenetics, genome engineering, induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation to neurons/organoids, and in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological measurements.

Our long-term scientific goal is to dissect the fundamental mechanisms by which chromatin architecture causally governs genome function and, ultimately, long-term synaptic plasticity and neural circuit features in healthy mammalian brains as well as during the onset and progression of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disease states.

Our long-term mentorship goal is to develop a diverse cohort of next-generation scientific thinkers and leaders cross-trained in molecular and computational approaches. We seek to create a positive, high-energy environment with open and honest communication to empower individuals to discover and refine their purpose and grow into the best versions of themselves.

The Senior Research Investigator (SRI) will be responsible for both oversight and implementation of specific research projects as well as participating in collaborative projects with other lab members and developing experimental protocols and experimental cell and molecular biology standards for the laboratory. The SRI will work on projects broadly encompassing genome regulation in mouse and human neurobiology applications, leading to their publication. They will also participate in the editing and conceptual development of additional collaborative papers. They will provide technical guidance and assist in protocol optimization alongside other lab members. This role also includes establishment of new technologies and experimental tools in the lab as well as design and assessment of feasibility of new lines of research. The SRI will assist the research team in preparing manuscripts, assist in completion of manuscripts under revision, assist team members in the process of publication of manuscripts as necessary. Moreover, the SRI will undergo training with the PI in all aspects of grant writing and upon completion of the training they will partner with the PI in the development of data, writing, concepts, and technical strategies for grant proposal applications. In partnership with the PI, the SRI will also be involved in the conceptualization and implementation of grant proposals to fund future research programs that advance the field of regulation of neuron function in health and disease. They will provide scientific advice, feedback, and mentorship to trainees in scenarios when their expertise is needed for the work. In partnership with the PI, they will oversee 1-2 junior trainees to facilitate their scientific growth and learning. Overall, the SRI will work closely with the PI and a dynamic team of interdisciplinary scientists with diverse research backgrounds to ensure success of the ongoing research programs in the Cremins lab.

The ideal candidate should have research experience and expertise in cutting-edge molecular and cell biology technologies particularly in the area of studying genome regulation in the context of the 3D genome and chromatin organization. A strong background in overseeing and conducting research and experiments entailing the following areas of expertise is highly desirable: culturing embryonic stem cells (ESCs and iPSCs); differentiation of pluripotent cells into neuronal lineages; genome engineering using CRISPR/Cas9; molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory techniques (e.g. molecular cloning); cell biology approaches (e.g. immunofluorescence, RNA/DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization); advanced chromatin techniques and sequencing-based technologies (e.g. RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, CUT&Tag/CUT&RUN); background in studying 3D genome organization (e.g. 3C-related technologies). Prior experience in mentoring and supervising students and trainees is highly desirable. Prior experience in grant writing is advantageous. The SRI will have passion and enthusiasm for teaching didactic lectures and will partner with the PI to teach 5-6 lectures per year in the Cremins lab’s university-wide neuroepigenetics course.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Scientific

• Leadership over the genome engineering Cremins lab Team – including but not limited to conceptual selection of experimental strategies, protocol development, and experimental design, and training of other lab members in key bleeding edge experimental cell and molecular biology assays, including degrons engineered in humans iPSCs, Cas13 RNA editing, dCas9 based CRISPRi and CRISPRa, and other new cutting edge broadly relevant genome engineering technologies

• Build strong expertise in training in human iPSC differentiation to organoids and monolayer neurons as well as pilot experiments to facilitate neural aging in the lab

• Provide technical guidance during protocol optimization as relevant to other trainees in the laboratory

• Lead multiple papers and major research papers at the center of the laboratories larger goals. Toward this goal, design, conduct, assist and oversee experiments and original research in the area of neuronal genome regulation with a focus on elucidating structure-function relationships across scales

• Collaborate fluidly with computational experts to conduct efficient analyses leading to discovery in mammalian neuron genome structure-function data. In parallel, train to achieve mastery and excellence in code to call compartments, TADs, subTADs, loops in Hi-C/Micro-C data, as well as in peak calling of Cut&Run and Cut&Tag data.

• Guide lab members to write and edit methods sections and figures for research papers where the analysis is used in the manuscript.

• As the position advances, begin to mentor 1-2 junior trainees in scientific endeavors under the purview of the SRI’s expertise

• Become an expert in lab protocols related to 2D and 3D neural differentiation, genome engineering, and genomics

Teaching and Daily leadership tasks

• Initiate and lead a team-wide journal club to empower the Cremins lab team in discussing cutting edge neuroepigenetic, genetic engineering technology, and chromatin, and neuroscience papers

• Partner with the PI to develop and teach 5-6 lectures per year in the lab’s university-wide neuroepigenetics course

• Oversee and write established SOPs for new and existing genome engineering technologies

• Train new lab members on genome engineering technologies

• As the opportunity allows in the SRIs expertise areas, serve as the primary mentor for 1-2 trainees in the Cremins

Administrative

• Interview top Cremins lab job candidates after curating applications and initial screening to find the top 5 candidates for interview

Scientific Writing

• Edit, format, and facilitate stylistic and grammatical edits for lab’s annual grant progress reports.

• Coordinate team members to arrange scientific content to meet grant progress report deadlines

• Organize, edit, and catalyze the writeup and creation of lab protocols

• Edit andprovide feedback on postdoc and student proposal, grant submission, and manuscript drafts

• Assist PI in filling out of paperwork including but not limited to: dbGAP and ENCODE data portal approvals; grant and University-related paperwork; yearly RRPR reports for the lab’s grants - including coordinating with the subTeam members to get the content assembled

• Many new writing opportunities for grants, papers, and scientific marketing materials are available if this is a passion and interest of the selected candidate

• Learn NIH R21 and R01 grant writing from the PI and partner with the PI to submit grant applications

Qualifications:

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

• ​​A passion for advancing the field of genome regulation in the context of 3D genome organization and a track record of innovation in the field is desirable

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage research projects, from conception to completion

• Collaborative attitude and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams with colleagues with various scientific backgrounds

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficient in experimental design, method establishment, data analysis, and interpretation

• Previous leadership and mentorship experience is a plus

• Strong multitasking abilities and an extremely high-level of reliability and dependability

• Accurate documentation, reliability, and personal responsibility.

• Strong track record in the following areas is highly desirable:

• ESC culture and ESC-based neuronal differentiation models

• Genome engineering and CRISPR perturbations in ESCs

• Molecular biology and biochemistry (e.g. DNA & RNA manipulation, molecular cloning, Western Blot etc.)

• Advanced chromatin technologies also in the field of 3D genome organization (e.g. CUT&Tag/CUT&RUN, ATAC-seq, 3C-based techniques)

• Imaging-based technology/cell biology (e.g. immunofluorescence, RNA & DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization)

  Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Pay Range

$43,888.00 - $90,000.00 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, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

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.

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.

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