Assistant/Associate Professor of Sociology
Purdue University
United States

Job Summary

Job Summary:
Are you a driven scientist passionate about the genetics and epigenetics of mental health? The Dunn Lab at Purdue University, led by Dr. Erin C. Dunn, is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate Professor to contribute to pioneering research that integrates social and biological sciences to address mental health challenges. In this role, you will independently 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 faculty positions.

The Opportunity: Research Assistant/Associate Professor:
As a Research Assistant/Associate Professor, 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 professors in the lab, with the other focused on the lab’s novel work using baby teeth to understand mental health.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

Ideal Candidates:
The ideal candidate is a results-focused, team-oriented, and creative scientist who can excel in a very fast-paced and multidisciplinary research environment. You must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and exhibit strong problem-solving skills. Candidates should be a clear and effective communicator, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills to enable collaboration with project teams, peers, and management in identifying and achieving research goals. You should have a PhD in a relevant field with backgrounds in multiple disciplines, including but not limited to epidemiology, public health, genetics, epigenetics, or another social or biological science. Candidates must have at least 2 years of post-doctoral research experience.

Who We Are

The Dunn Lab’s studies are broadly focused on understanding the predictors of mental health and resilience, with an emphasis on genetics, epigenetics, and childhood adversity. Specifically, we investigate:

• Genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic predictors of susceptibility to mental health issues, with a focus on depression.
• Developmental effects of childhood adversity on risk and resilience for psychopathology.
• Life course perspectives for modeling gene-environment interplay, or how genetic variation modifies the effects of childhood adversity on downstream mental health outcomes.
• Biological markers of future mental health risk, captured in exfoliated primary teeth.

We conduct primary data collection and partner with some of the world’s largest birth cohort studies to analyze secondary data. Some of our current projects include:

• Two NIMH-funded R01 studies that integrate longitudinal data from genetics, epigenetics, and human development to examine the causes and consequences of DNA methylation (DNAm) on risk and protective factors for depression in adolescence and young adulthood. These studies involve participants of both European and non-European ancestry.
• A set of projects exploring exfoliated primary teeth as novel biomarkers for stress exposure and subsequent mental health risks. Learn more at www.teethforscience.com.

Why Dunn Lab?

• Sustained Funding: The Dunn Lab is well-funded, with continuous support since 2009, including grants from the NIMH, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, One Mind, Jacobs Foundation, and numerous other private and philanthropic sources.
• Impactful Research: We’ve made significant contributions to understanding how early adversity impacts mental health, leading pioneering genetic and gene-environment interaction studies, including some of the first genome-wide association studies of depression risk in non-European ancestry populations.
• Collaborate and Innovate with a Renowned Leader: Dr. Erin C. 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 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 unique 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 believes 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 and strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

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 is based in Discovery Park’s Bindley Bioscience Center, a 1.3 million square foot research space that facilitates interdisciplinary research. Supported by an extensive network of research cores and sponsored research awards reaching a record $757.5 million, Purdue provides the tools and expertise necessary for impactful investigations across fields such as engineering, life sciences, technology, and humanities.

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)

Application Information

Application Materials

Must include a cover letter and 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 and Purdue University.

Applicants who apply prior to September 30th will be given the highest consideration.

Additional Information:

• Purdue will sponsor an employment-related visa for this position.
• A background check is 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.