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.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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 Radiation Oncology, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to advance translational research in radiation biology. This position focuses on mechanisms of radiation response, resistance, and toxicity in head and neck cancer. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct mechanistically driven, translational research at the interface of radiation biology, tumor immunology, and clinical radiation oncology.

The postdoctoral fellow will lead and contribute to preclinical and translational studies using in vitro systems and in vivo models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The overarching goal of the research program is to identify biologic determinants of tumor control and normal tissue injury following radiation therapy, and to translate these findings into biomarkers and therapeutic strategies relevant to patients undergoing definitive or adjuvant chemoradiation.

Primary Duties:

• Design and execute radiation biology experiments using cell-based assays, 3D culture systems, and murine models of HNSCC
• Investigate mechanisms of radiation resistance, DNA damage response, and normal tissue toxicity
• Perform translational correlative studies linked to clinical trials in head and neck cancer
• Study tumor–immune interactions and microenvironmental responses to radiation therapy
• Collaborate closely with radiation oncologists, immunologists, and translational scientists
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and maintain rigorous scientific documentation
• Prepare high-impact manuscripts, abstracts, and fellowship or career development grant applications
• Participate in laboratory meetings, departmental research seminars, and multidisciplinary conferences

Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in molecular biology, radiation physics, or a related field
• Prior experience with vivo models, cell culture, or radiation-based research is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to rigorous scientific methodology and ethical research conduct.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

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

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