Postdoctoral Scholar

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

A Postdoctoral Scholar position is available starting immediately in the Zarnescu laboratory in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology at Penn State College of Medicine, in Hershey, PA. We research the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dementias) using Drosophila, cell based models and patient tissues. We also investigate the environmental component of neurodegenerative disease and gene-environment interactions. A major focus of the laboratory is to identify changes in translation and cellular metabolism using genetically encoded tools in various experimental models (e.g., Coyne et al, Cell Reports 2017; Manzo et al, eLife 2019; Lehmkuhl et al, Acta Neuropathologica Comm 2021, Godfrey et al, Acta Neuropathologica Comm 2023). The successful applicant is expected to have experience and a record of accomplishments in one or more of the following areas: Drosophila genetics, molecular and cellular approaches (e.g., cloning, RNA/protein isolation, immunoprecipitations, immunofluorescence), cellular metabolism (e.g., mitochondrial biology) and/or behavioral assays. The successful candidate is expected to have an excellent record of publication.

Job responsibilities including:

1) Planning, designing and performing experiments in consultation with the principal investigator.

2) Compiling and analyzing data using advanced statistical methods.

3) Support the PI in mentoring junior trainees in the laboratory.

4) Maintaining research data in laboratory notebook, writing summary reports and communicating findings to principal investigator and the laboratory group.

5) Preparing manuscripts and grant submissions.

Preferred Qualifications include:

1) Background in neuronal cell culture including iPST Cs, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry and Drosophila neurobiology, genetics and behavior.

2) Bioinformatics and statistics skills (e.g., R, pathway analyses).

3) Experience mentoring students.  

This is a limited-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire.  
 

Requirements include PHD in a relevant field.

Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University polices. 

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.  

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