What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate, Epigenetics position at Purdue University?
Req Id : 36159
Job Title : Postdoctoral Research Associate, Epigenetics
City : Indianapolis
Job Description : Job Summary
Are you looking to be part of something big? Radical innovations begin with small, impactful steps. Take your next step with the Dunn Lab, the distinguished team of Dr. Erin C. Dunn (www.thedunnlab.com), as we prepare for our next giant leap : discovering the causes of mental illness and creating roadmaps for prevention.
The Opportunity : Postdoctoral Research Associate in Epigenetics
The Dunn Lab is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise or interests in epigenetics to join our team at Purdue University. Candidates will work on several highly interdisciplinary projects focused on understanding the developmental causes and consequences of DNA methylation on risk for depression in adolescence and young adulthood. Projects aim to integrate longitudinal data with insights from genetics, epigenetics, and human development to identify sensitive periods of stress exposure and the protective effects of positive experiences on depressive symptom trajectories. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work with extensive epigenetic, genetic, and phenotypic data, applying cutting-edge analytic methods to uncover the biological underpinnings of mental health. You will contribute significantly to the Dunn Lab's research mission, collaborating with an international and multidisciplinary team, all while receiving outstanding team-based mentorship.
This position is based on the Indianapolis location. Remote options, with frequent travel to campus, may be available.
We are recruiting multiple postdocs to join our team in this role.
Responsibilities and Duties :
- Develop and implement complex data analysis projects, including epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) and causal inference methods.
- Assist data analyst in performing data acquisition, storage, cleaning, and pre-processing for large-scale, longitudinal studies.
- Lead secondary projects applying advanced quantitative statistical analysis to study DNAm signatures, sensitive developmental periods, and subsequent depression risk.
- Participate in projects using CRISPR / Cas9 techniques to manipulate DNAm at promising sites.
- Lead the write-up of scientific papers to disseminate research findings through high-impact journal publications and conference presentations.
- Assist in the mentorship of junior lab members ? Learn transferrable skills to become a successful PI
- Act as a subject matter expert for the team in DNAm, biomarkers of mental health risk, and statistical modeling.
- Contribute to and drive forward the project's work plan and study goals.
Ideal Candidates :
The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Epidemiology, Genetics, Genomics, Psychology, or a related field, with a strong publication record, including first-author papers in peer-reviewed journals. They should have interests or expertise in epigenetic mechanisms, especially DNA methylation, and their implications for mental health. The ideal candidate must excel in critical thinking and be adept at designing and executing complex research studies. While data analysis skills are beneficial, candidates will work closely with data analysts and biostatisticians; the post-docs role will therefore be on scientific interpretation, reporting, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Strong communication skills are essential for leading projects, engaging with team members from different background and geographic locations, and contributing to grant writing and presentations. We seek someone proactive, committed to ethical research, and capable of working both independently and within a supportive, collaborative team. The ideal candidate will also be eager to mentor junior members of the team and engage fully in the lab's dynamic environment.
Required :
Skills :
Additional Information :
Application Materials : Must include a cover letter and resume / CV. Your cover letter should include :
Pay band : In addition to annual salary of up to $75,000, this position provides office space, computer equipment, and $2500 in yearly support for scientific conferences or professional development. A sign-on bonus will also be provided to assist with relocation costs.
Why the Dunn Lab?
Why Purdue University?
Purdue University is a powerhouse of innovation and discovery, offering a world-class research environment that fosters groundbreaking advancements across diverse disciplines. As Indiana's land-grant university and a Carnegie Foundation tier-one research institution, Purdue combines a rich history of education with a commitment to tackling global challenges.
The Dunn Lab, led by Dr. Erin C. Dunn, bridges Purdue University's West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses, creating a dynamic research environment that leverages the best of both worlds. This dual-campus structure allows The Dunn Lab to tap into Purdue's world-class academic community while embedding its research within the vibrant, interdisciplinary hub of Indiana's capital city. West Lafayette connects The Dunn Lab to Purdue's renowned strengths in social sciences, STEM disciplines, and collaborative research networks. This academic foundation fosters rich interdisciplinary partnerships and drives innovative research. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis campus provides access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities, proximity to leading biomedical and public health institutions, and the opportunity to engage directly with a dynamic urban ecosystem that amplifies real-world impact. Being situated in Indianapolis enables The Dunn Lab to build strong partnerships with local healthcare systems, industry leaders, and community organizations, all committed to our scientific discoveries that translate into meaningful societal change.
At the heart of the Dunn Lab's operations, Innovation Hall in Indianapolis is a 100,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance collaboration. It houses advanced wet and dry lab spaces, makerspaces, a fabrication lab, and a Class 100 clean room, providing the tools and infrastructure necessary for groundbreaking research.
Together, The Dunn Lab's presence across West Lafayette and Indianapolis represents a forward-thinking model for research-integrating Purdue's academic excellence with the dynamic opportunities of Indiana's largest city. This strategic approach fosters transformative discoveries, while creating unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and impact.
Purdue is also dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable education. Ranked among the top 10 public universities in the US, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees for over 10 years, enabling more students to graduate debt-free. The College of Liberal Arts, home to the Dunn Lab, is an emerging leader in innovative education, offering nationally recognized programs like the Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts program, Degree , and the Degree in 3 initiative. These programs enhance Purdue's renowned STEM education by pushing all students to become bold, visionary leaders capable of addressing the complexities of today's world.
Benefits of a Purdue Career :
Purdue University is an EOE / Affirmative Action employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Salary : $2,500 - $75,000
