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:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Biology, Biochemistry, Epidemiology, Genetics, Genomics, or Psychology
• Strong publication record, including first-author papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Expertise in the theory, concepts, and approaches used in the Dunn Lab
• Expertise in statistical analysis methods, such as linear and logistic regression and longitudinal modeling
• Advanced experience with programming languages and statistical software (e.g., R, Unix)
• Ability to manage and analyze large-scale, high-dimensional datasets
• Proven experience working independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Interest in identifying and validating biomarkers related to mental health

Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of high-dimensional data analysis and epidemiological research
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking
• Excellent written and verbal communication for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong expertise in research design
• Ability to navigate and contribute effectively in a collaborative and dynamic research environment with evolving scientific priorities
• Commitment to ethical research practices and human subject protection
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality
• Experience in mentoring and knowledge sharing

Additional Information:

• Purdue will 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 EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

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).

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?

• 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)

Purdue University is an EOE/Affirmative Action employer.  All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.