Postdoctoral Research Associate Focusing on Teeth as Biomarkers (based in Indianapolis)

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 Tooth Research The Dunn Lab is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead several studies using deciduous teeth as biomarkers of early life stress exposure and later mental health risk. These highly interdisciplinary projects explore how patterns in baby teeth reflect past environmental exposures and predict future mental health outcomes. The research integrates biological measures with developmental and environmental data to uncover the impact of early life experiences on long-term mental health. You can learn more about the Lab’s work on baby teeth on our website: www.teethforscience.com

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will be involved in the design and execution of community-based longitudinal studies involving tooth-based biomarkers, contribute to data collection efforts, assist with interpretation of study results, and work with a multidisciplinary team to advance The Dunn Lab’s research mission. All studies will involve analysis of data from large-scale epidemiological studies that have collected teeth from thousands of children. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in innovative research, all while receiving outstanding mentorship in a collaborative, dynamic environment.

This position is based on the Indianapolis campus 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 lead research projects focused on analyzing tooth-based indicators of stress exposure and subsequent mental health risk.
• Coordinate data collection and manage collaborations with epidemiological cohorts that have collected teeth in addition to other biological specimens.
• Design new studies focused on the integration of biological and environmental data to study the developmental origins of mental health risk.
• Assist data analyst in performing data acquisition, storage, cleaning, and pre-processing for large-scale, longitudinal studies.
• Lead the write-up of scientific papers to disseminate research findings through high-impact journal publications and conference presentations.
• Contribute to grant writing.
• Engage actively in cross-disciplinary teamwork and mentorship of junior researchers.
• Collaborate with an international network of experts in fields ranging from dentistry and genetics to anthropology and public health.
• Learn transferrable skills to become a successful PI

Ideal Candidates:

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Anthropology, Dentistry, Biology, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field, with a strong publication record, including first-author papers in peer-reviewed journals. They should have expertise or interests in the biological embedding of stress, using tooth-based biomarkers, and an interest in understanding developmental risk factors 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, they will work closely with data analysts and biostatisticians; the post-docs role will therefore be focused on scientific interpretation, reporting, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Strong communication skills are essential for leading projects, engaging with diverse 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 and fully engage in the lab’s dynamic environment.

Required:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field, including Anthropology, Dentistry, Biology, Epidemiology, or Public Health.
• Strong record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Expertise or interests in the theory, concepts, and approaches used in the Dunn Lab.
• Experience with designing and implementing research projects that integrate biological and environmental data.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for engaging with diverse research teams.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research setting.

Skills: 

• Knowledge of biological sample analysis, biomarkers, or environmental health research.
• Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research approaches.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive research mindset.
• Experience in cross-disciplinary collaboration and a commitment to mentorship.
• Familiarity with tooth anatomy or biomarker development is a plus but not required.
• Dedication to ethical research practices and the lab’s collaborative mission.

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.