Job location: Translational Research Laboratories

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2019-08-21
Req: JR00005907
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.

Posted Job Title

Director, Discovery Research

Job Profile Title

Director D

Job Description Summary

Job Description

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.

We are on the hunt for a Director of Discovery Research to lead discovery projects related to evaluating new and improving genome editing platforms and other novel technologies.

As the Director of Discovery Research, you will oversee all aspects of discovery research at GTP at PENN. You will establish processes for mentoring and leading Senior Research Investigators (SRIs) in translational research projects. You will supervise and manage a team of SRIs and technicians. In consultation with the Director of Gene Therapy, you will assess the discovery programs that are brought into GTP for scientific research.

You will also be responsible for scientific research as it relates to the development of new genome editing platforms and other novel technology research. You will work in large interdisciplinary teams where you will perform design, optimization, and implementation of sophisticated experiments within specified timelines; provide cross-organizational support for the essential laboratory functions. You will contribute to writing/reviewing manuscripts, preparing presentations, establishing collaborations as well as writing/reviewing protocols and SOPs.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience with vector design, molecular virology, and protein structures & functions.

Qualifications:

Extensive knowledge of life science research in both academic and bio-pharmaceutical settings
The minimum of 5 years of direct laboratory experience after the completion of a Master's degree in the field of neurology or neurological diseases, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required. PhD strongly preferred
Self starter but also a strong desire to contribute and work collaboratively to achieve goals
Success in roles requiring execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple priorities
Highly functioning, detail-oriented, and analytical candidate who can think strategically
Excellent oral/written communication skills required

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$88,861.00 - $168,837.00

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.