Research associate Jobs in Indianapolis, IN

Req Id : 36158

Job Title : Postdoctoral Research Associate, Tooth Research

City : Indianapolis

Job Description :

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 :

Skills :

Additional Information :

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 :

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?

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 : ?

All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.