Researcher - Medicine

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This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Medicine in Hershey, PA is seeking a non-tenure line Researcher.

The Nighot laboratory has been focused on intestinal mucosal homeostasis in health and disease (https://sites.psu.edu/nighot/). The lab is especially interested in the role of defective intestinal tight junction (TJ) barrier in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, and the role of autophagy in TJ barrier regulation. Autophagy, a cell survival mechanism, degrades unnecessary, misfolded and long-lived proteins and organelles and helps cell survive under stress. The lab's pioneering studies have shown that autophagy enhances TJ barrier and ameliorates intestinal inflammation in experimental colitis. We are also interested in investigating novel targets to combat IBD, and the role of extra cellular matrix proteins, ion transporters, signaling molecules, and cytokines in intestinal inflammation. We have also recently begun investigating the role of autophagy and gut-liver axis in liver diseases.

We use in-vivo, ex-vivo, whole animal, and in-vitro approaches in our research work. The techniques used in the lab include cell and molecular approaches, genetically modified animal models, advanced confocal imaging, flow cytometry, innovative culture models such as organoids, and working with clinical samples. The main responsibility of the person in this position is to actively participate in the ongoing research projects in the lab, explore new techniques and new direction of research, and provide support to the PI in developing research proposals. Ample professional and career development opportunities are available at the Penn State College of Medicine (https://med.psu.edu/).

Responsibilities

Job duties include but are not limited to developing, designing and conducting research projects under general direction of the PI but in self-driven fashion; developing appropriate research methods; creative use of animal models; data analyses and interpretation; presentation of research in scientific conferences and meetings; and manuscript preparation. This is an appointment for one year from the date of hire; extension subjected to the availability of funds.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a PhD in cell and molecular biology or comparable field and experience in the related research field. The candidate will demonstrate evidence of strong research knowledge, skills and attitudes; an interest in the research field and a familiarity and success with the academic team research environment. The candidate will have ability for critical, out-of-box thinking, innovation in research work, ability to interrogate cellular pathways, and practical knowledge of advanced molecular techniques beside molecular cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and genetic modulation. Candidates who have been highly productive with motivation and passion for science and a wide range of research experiences, including analysis of human datasets are encouraged to apply.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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