Job Summary

The Dunn Lab at Purdue University, led by Dr. Erin C. Dunn, is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scholar of Epigenetics to contribute to pioneering research that integrates social and biological sciences to address mental health challenges. In this role, you will function as a research scientist, supporting the science of the Dunn Lab. You will oversee day-to-day research operations focused on genetics and epigenetics, contributing to study design, data analysis, and the mentorship of lab members. This position offers career stability outside the tenure track and the chance for additional experience and mentorship before pursuing an independent faculty position.

As a Senior Principal Research Scholar-Epigenetics, you will work closely with Dr. Dunn to oversee the genetics and epigenetics research portfolio in the lab. You will be instrumental in developing new studies, mentoring a multidisciplinary team, and ensuring the success of our research projects. You will be one of two research scholars in the lab, with the other focused on the lab’s novel work using baby teeth to understand mental health.

This position is based at the Indianapolis location.  Hybrid options, with a combination of remote and on-campus work, may be available.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of genetics and epigenetics research projects.
• Lead study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Mentor lab members, including postdoctoral fellows and research assistants.
• Contribute to grant writing, including identifying funding opportunities and assembling applications.
• Write and present scholarly work for both academic and broader audiences.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.
• Co-develop long-term research strategies in collaboration with Dr. Dunn.
• Execute tasks with a high attention to detail.
• Self-start tasks and find areas for improvement throughout the lab.

What We're Looking For:

Required:

Education and Experience:

• PhD in a relevant field; such as epidemiology, public health, genetics, epigenetics, or another social or biological science.
• Five years of research experience, two or more of which are post-doctoral.

Skills Needed:

• Results-focused, team oriented, and creative scientist who can work well in a fast-paced and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Able to collaborate on project teams with peers and management in identifying and achieving goals.

What Is Helpful:

• Experience with cross-disciplinary collaborations and departments.
• Experience managing teams of 3 or more members.
• Experience in teaching, instruction, or mentorship.

Additional Information:

• Purdue will not sponsor an employment related visa for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period

Purdue University is an EO/EA University.

Application Materials:

Application Materials:

• Must include a cover letter and resume/CV. Your cover letter should include:
  • Relevant experience and skills that make you uniquely qualified for this role.
  • What interests you about being part of the Dunn Lab team and why you are excited about the opportunity.
  • How your experiences, skills, and interests align with the culture of the College of Liberal Arts (#ThinkBroadlyLeadBoldly).

Why the Dunn Lab? 

• Be at the Cutting Edge of Discovery: Work at the forefront of research, using interdisciplinary approaches to explore the social and biological factors that contribute to mental health disorders. Our focus on understanding depression risk among women, children, and adolescents, paves the way for groundbreaking prevention strategies.
• Impactful Research: We’ve made significant contributions to understanding how social and biological factors impact mental health. We’ve led pioneering genetic and gene-environment interaction studies, including some of the first genome-wide association studies of depression risk in non-European ancestry populations. We’re also leading cutting-edge new studies examining baby teeth as novel biomarkers for mental health risk.
• Collaborate and Innovate with a Renowned Leader: Dr. Erin Dunn brings over a decade of experience from her previous roles at Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital. Now a Professor at Purdue and Director of a new university-wide interdisciplinary Center focused on sociogenomics, Dr. Dunn is a leading voice in integrating genomics with social sciences. With national and international research collaborations, the Dunn Lab offers a bold environment for innovative thinking and collaboration as you work alongside experts in genetics, sociology, psychology, and more. 
• Career Advancement: Whether you’re planning for a career in academia or another professional path, being part of the Dunn Lab will provide invaluable experience, mentorship, and a competitive edge. Our 80+ trainees have gone on to successful careers in clinical psychology, public health, medicine, and beyond.
• Diverse Perspectives: The Dunn Lab knows good science is built on a foundation of diverse and inclusive teams. We foster an environment where different thinking and approaches drive meaningful advances in mental health research.  We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

If you are passionate about advancing the field of mental health research and eager to make a difference, take the leap with the Dunn Lab at Purdue University. Explore our work and how you can be a part of it at www.thedunnlab.com.

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:

• Competitive benefits package including generous paid sick time and vacation 
• Tuition remission (Purdue and Purdue Global)