Postdoctoral Researcher in Chromatin Biology and Neuroscience

Employer: University of Pennsylvania
Location: University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine

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Employment Type: Full Time
Institution Type: Four-Year Institution

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Postdoctoral Researcher in Chromatin Biology and Neuroscience

Location:
University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine
Open Date:
Aug 13, 2026
Description:

Faculty Mentor: Elizabeth A Heller, Ph.D

Department: Pharmacology (SPATT)

Funding Source: PI Grant

Number of Positions: 2

Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and foreign nationals

The Heller Lab studies the mechanisms by which epigenetic remodeling regulates gene function, in the context of neuropsychiatric diseases such as addiction and depression. To approach this problem, we directly manipulate histone and DNA modifications at specific genes in vivo, using viral delivery of novel epigenetic editing tools, such as CRISPR/dCas9-fusion proteins. The Perelman School of Medicine is a world leader in biomedical research, boasting over $800M in annual research funding and ranked third nationwide among the best medical schools in research. The Heller Lab is a member of the Penn Epigenetics Institute and Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, and is housed with the Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics (SPATT). For further information see http://www.med.upenn.edu/hellerlab/.

Current projects include:

1. Histone methyltransferase, Setd2, in substance use disorders, R01DA064336

2. Epigenetic mechanisms of sustained transcription across cocaine abstinence, R01DA052465-06

3. Sex- and hormone-dependent differences in memory vulnerability to acute traumatic stress,

R01MH139931-01

4. Epigenetic regulation of Cdk5 in cognition and emotion, R01MH126027-04

Qualifications:
PhD, MD or MD/PhD required. Expertise in chromatin biology, neurobiology and/or molecular biology is required. Knowledge of protein biochemistry, chromatin biology, and/or bioinformatics (including mathematics and computational biology), behavior, are encouraged. Competitive salary > NIH minimum.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.

Applications should be sent through interfolio using the link below and include:

1. Cover Letter that includes (1) a brief summary of your present and future research interests <200 words, (2) desired start date.

2. CV, including list of publications.

3. Contact information of three or more references.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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