At Monell, our employees are our most prized assets. To ensure that we remain successful, we are continually searching for individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines who can contribute to the growth and mission of the Center.
Research at Monell contributes to a wide range of scientific and practical knowledge. Through the efforts of more than fifty Ph.D.-level scientists and a highly-talented support staff, the Center is making major progress in increasing our understanding of both how the chemical senses function and their impact on our everyday life.
Monell is an equal opportunity employer.
You may apply for positions posted on this site by fax, mail or email. Please be sure to reference the position title in all correspondence.
Fax: Send a cover letter and a resume to 215-898-2084.
Mail: Monell Chemical Senses Center
Attn: Human Resources Administrator
3500 Market Street
Philadelphia PA 19104-3308
Email: Please submit your resume to the specific email listed for each ad. If no email address is provided or for general inquiries, contact
Scientific Staff Openings
All positions require a Ph.D. or M.D. in the appropriate field(s) and experience as indicated.
Faculty Positions In Chemosensory Research
The Monell Chemical Senses Center invites applications for full-time faculty positions. We seek outstanding investigators from diverse disciplines who are interested in pursuing clinical or basic research in the chemical senses and/or allied disciplines (e.g., neuroscience or nutrition) as they relate to the chemical senses. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. or M.D. and have postdoctoral experience. Prior experience in chemosensory research is not required. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and fund an independent research program and collaborate with colleagues at the Center. Both junior and senior level applicants are welcome. The Monell Center, founded in 1968, is the world’s premier institute devoted to basic, multidisciplinary research on the mechanisms and function of olfaction, gustation and chemesthesis. Further information about the Center can be found at http://www.monell.org.
Applicants should send the following materials in electronic form to : a curriculum vitae, three representative publications, statement of research interests and the names and addresses of three individuals willing to provide letters of reference. Review of applications will begin September 30th, 2010. The Monell Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications by women and minorities.
Postdoctoral Position – Cognitive neuroimaging
A postdoctoral position is available at the Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory at the Monell Chemical Senses Center to study neuronal and behavioral processing of chemosignals and multimodal stimuli in humans. Our lab is concerned with basic research to achieve a better understanding of the cerebral basis for chemosensory and multimodal processing. In particular, the lab is concerned with the complex processing of social chemosignals – signals that act in the border between perception and cognition – and the neural integration of several of our stimulus modalities. This work covers a wide range of methods, including psychophysical and cognitive tests in healthy individuals, functional brain imaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging and EEG/ERP), structural brain imaging, and morphometry.
Ideal candidates will have a PhD (and possibly postdoctoral experience) in psychology, neuroscience, biology, or a related field with a strong background in neuroimaging methods, and should have a demonstrated record of productivity. Programming skills in Matlab for acquisition and data processing are advantageous. The successful candidate will become an integral member of the center and have the opportunity to develop independent projects or collaborative projects with some of the top behavioral and neuroscience researchers examining chemosensory and multimodal processing.
Position is available from May 2010 or according to agreement. Salary is in accordance with NIH standards and based on qualifications. Please send cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact information of three references to : Dr. Johan Lundstrom, Monell Chemical Senses Center 3500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 or e-mail
Postdoctoral Position – Signal transduction and membrane organization in olfactory receptor neurons
A postdoctoral position is available at the Monell Chemical Senses Center to study signal transduction and membrane organization in olfactory receptor neurons. Work in this laboratory investigates the contribution of signal transduction components to the odorant-induced response using electrophysiological and imaging techniques, recording either from individual isolated neurons or from neurons in the intact epithelium (see Science 308: 1931-1934, Neuron 45: 553-561).
Position is available immediately. Requirements include a Ph.D. in physiology, neuroscience or related area and preferably expertise in electrophysiology, imaging techniques or membrane physiology. Stipend is in accordance with NIH standards. Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three references to Dr. Johannes Reisert, Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; E-mail: ; Fax 215-898-2084, attn: Dr. Reisert.
Postdoctoral Positions at Monell
The Monell Chemical Senses Center is a nonprofit, basic research institute dedicated to the study of taste, smell, chemical irritation and appetite. The Center is located near the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Research focuses on understanding how the chemical senses function and their importance in everyday life.
Positions are currently available for interdisciplinary training and research in the areas of Sensation and Perception, Genetics, Neuroscience and Molecular Biology, Environmental and Occupational Health, Nutrition and Appetite, Health and Well-Being, and Chemical Ecology and Communication. Approaches include clinical medicine, chemistry, biochemistry, organismal and molecular biology, animal and human psychophysics, organ- and neurophysiology, including single cell, whole nerve and in situ brain recordings, neuroanatomy, experimental psychology, environmental sampling and human exposure assessment. A background in chemosensory research is not required.
Requirements include a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent. Stipend is in accordance with NIH standards. Some positions are supported by a NIH training grant. Those who seek appointment to one of these positions should be a US Citizen or a permanent resident alien. Other positions also are available. Send C.V., cover letter explaining your experience and career goals, and the names and means to contact three references to: Personnel Administrator, Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104 or email .
Monell is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.
Research Staff Openings
All positions require a Bachelors degree in the appropriate field(s) and experience as indicated.
Research Technician
We are currently looking for a technician that will be responsible for: 1) recruiting and running human subjects in psychophysical experiments, 2) maintaining records in the laboratory, 3) finding and purchasing needed materials and equipment, and 4) management and analysis of collected data. Qualified technicians may also have the opportunity to present results at professional meetings.
The ideal candidate will have a degree (BA/BS or higher) in psychology, biology, neurophysiology, or a related field. The ideal candidate will also have experience in testing human subjects, working knowledge of statistics, and knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
Please e-mail resumes to .
Two Research Technicians – Molecular biology/gene expression
Two full time Research Technician positions available to perform gene expression and gene targeting studies. Primary responsibilities are molecular biology bench work. Specific duties include: RT-PCR, gene cloning/sub cloning, targeting vector construction, gene chip analysis, record keeping. The successful candidates will carry out molecular biological experiments under the direction of PhD level staff.
MS in Molecular Biology or related sciences desired, candidates with BA/BS and extensive experience in DNA manipulation also will be considered. The ideal candidate must be highly organized, detail oriented and able to work independently. Interested candidates should submit application materials to for consideration.
Administrative Openings
Research Grant & Contract Administrator
We are seeking a full time Research Grant & Contract Administrator who will provide administrative coordination and grant administration for scientists to report directly to the Treasurer of the Center.
The Research Administrator will assist Monell faculty and scientists with development of budget proposals, grant application preparation, project administration for federal, state, industry, and foundation grant awards; be responsible for the Center’s electronic grant submission software program including submission of federal proposals, training scientists in use of program as well as user maintenance and troubleshooting; be responsible for review of required compliance approvals prior to submission of research grant proposals; negotiation and acceptance of grants and contracts; familiar with IACUC and IRB procedures; maintain grant files.
The Research Administrator will also process termination and close out awards; monitor preparation of reports on patents and research progress reports, coordinate and submit all ARRA reporting for the Center; keep abreast of changes in federal, state, and sponsor requirements and legislation affecting research sponsored programs.
Position requires a minimum Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, finance, accounting; Master’s Degree preferred; in addition to three to five years of experience working in a research environment in higher education, hospital, or an independent non-profit research institute.
Knowledge of research administration principles, policies and procedures, as well as pertinent federal regulations such as OMB Circulars A-21, A-110, and A-122, Export Controls, Conflict of Interest, the NIH Grants Policy Statement, the NSF Awards Policies and Procedures Guide, other Federal agencies’ funding mechanism, Sub-contract administration, iEdison report, and cost accounting standards.
- Familiar with Grants.gov, NIH eRA Commons, NSF Fastlane grant application process
- Experience and skill in formal and informal negotiation procedures are necessary and the capability to deal effectively and persuasively with people at different levels is essential.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people at all levels
- Excellent writing skills and attention to detail
- High degree of personal integrity and ethics with uncompromising standards
- U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident is required
Salary is competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience in research grant administration
Please send Resume/CV and Cover Letter along with salary requirement to: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Office of Human Resources, Job Code: RGCA, 3500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA. 19104-3308 or email:

“The first time I came to Monell, I was struck by the spirit that pervades the place. It was thrilling to see scientists 20 and 30 years into their research careers bubbling over with energy, excitement and ideas. I was — and remain — enchanted by the opportunities for cross-fertilization.”
Pamela Dalton, Ph.D. Environmental and Occupational Health Psychologist
