Postdoctoral Researcher in Neurobiology

University of Pennsylvania:
Postdoctoral Positions:
Perelman School of Medicine Postdoctoral

Location

University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine

Open Date

Aug 13, 2026

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Histone methyltransferase, Setd2, in substance use disorders, R01DA
  064336
• Epigenetic mechanisms of sustained transcription across cocaine abstinence, R01DA
  052465-06
• Sex- and hormone-dependent differences in memory vulnerability to acute traumatic stress, R01MH
  139931-01
• Epigenetic regulation of Cdk5 in cognition and emotion, R01MH
  126027-04

PhD, MD or MD/PhD required. Expertise in 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.