Associate Director, Discovery Research (Gene Therapy Program)

Associate Director, Discovery Research (Gene Therapy Program)

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. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

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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.

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Posted Job Title
Associate Director, Discovery Research (Gene Therapy Program)

Job Profile Title
Associate Director E, Research

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. GTP is a complex R&D organization consisting of research laboratories supported by multiple core functions that provide the internal capacity to perform gene transfer studies from basic research through Phase 1 proof-of-concept human trials.

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 funding.

Job Description

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

As an Associate Director 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 timelines. You will work closely with the research director to assure that the research program adheres to the work plan and stays within budget. Also, you will have the opportunity to present research externally and you may contribute to writing/reviewing manuscripts, protocols, and SOPs.

Qualified candidates will have expertise with in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as a background in molecular biology. You will be expected to create recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) expressing various gene products. You will lead, design, develop and perform experiments to engineer the AAV capsid for tissue specific transduction. Studies will involve both
in vitro and in vivo molecular biology, protein engineering, immunology, and biochemistry techniques including but not limited to cloning, PCR (primer design and ability to troubleshoot), tissue collection, cell culture and flow cytometry.

You will computationally analyze genomics data, prepare scientific presentations, and participate in manuscript preparation. You will be able to work independently to develop collaborations with co-workers and peers at other labs and to troubleshoot as needed.

This position offers the opportunity to develop your leadership skills along with your bench-work skills.

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:

• Master's degree in the field of molecular biology, biochemistry, enzymology, virology, protein engineering, or related field and 5-7 years experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
  
• Ph. D. / MD / DVM degree in the field of molecular biology, biochemistry, enzymology, virology, protein engineering, or related field and 5 years of relevant research experience preferred
  
• Must have the ability to develop novel protocols and methods.
  
• Must be able to computationally analyze genomics data, prepare scientific presentations, and participate in manuscript preparation
• Be able to work independently to develop collaborations with co-workers and peers at other labs and to troubleshoot as needed.
  
• 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
$74,476.00 - $117,086.00
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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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay


To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Translational-Research-Laboratories/Senior-Research-Investigator--Discovery-Research--Gene-Therapy-Program-_JR00060448-2



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