Research Associate, Department of Oral Medicine

University of Pennsylvania:
School of Dental Medicine:
School of Dental Medicine - Oral Medicine Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Aug 20, 2026

The Department of Oral Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine invites applications for a Research Associate position within the Academic Support Staff. The Research Associate will report to Dr. Cagla Akay-Espinoza.

The successful candidate will participate in a research program that uses state-of-the-art technologies and experimental models to identify and characterize discrete cell subtypes within complex multicellular environments. The Research Associate will conduct laboratory studies involving molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, mammalian cell culture, and mouse models. Responsibilities may also include experimental design, data interpretation, manuscript preparation, and contributions to grant applications.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop an independent research project that is scientifically aligned with the laboratory’s research program and to pursue external research funding.

Applicants must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree and approximately five years of relevant postdoctoral research experience.

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Extensive expertise in molecular and cellular biology
• Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and mouse models
• A strong publication record
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills
• Ability to contribute to manuscript preparation and grant writing
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Experience with electrophysiological recording, multielectrode array recording, computational analysis, or next-generation sequencing data analysis is desirable but not required.

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.