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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.
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
A postdoctoral position is available at The Pennsylvania State University to study the relationship between larval traits and gene expression in coral reef fishes, under the supervision of Dr. John Majoris. The Majoris Marine Ecology & Aquaculture Lab integrates experimental aquaculture systems, larval phenotyping, and molecular approaches to understand how environmental conditions shape development and dispersal in marine organisms.
The successful candidate will lead the analysis of an RNA-seq dataset focused on clownfish, examining links between larval phenotypes and underlying gene expression. The successful candidate will develop and implement RNA-seq analysis pipelines, including quality control and preprocessing of sequencing data, de novo transcriptome assembly and annotation, read alignment, expression quantification, and differential gene expression analyses across treatment groups. Experience with functional annotation, gene ontology enrichment, and linking gene expression patterns to phenotypic variation is strongly preferred.
The dataset is part of a collaborative research project lead by Dr. Majoris and includes PIs at Boston University and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. In addition to leading this core project with input from this collaborative team, the postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to develop independent research questions, pursue funding opportunities, contribute to ongoing projects in the lab, and mentor graduate students. This includes training students in RNA extraction techniques and transcriptomics analysis pipelines. The postdoc will be expected to lead manuscript preparation and publication of results.
A Ph.D. in Biology, Marine Science, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field is required. Strong candidates will have demonstrated experience in RNA-seq analysis, transcriptome assembly, and statistical analysis (e.g., R), as well as a record of scientific writing and publication.
Applications must be submitted electronically and include:
1. A 1 page cover letter describing research interests and experience relevant to the position
2. Curriculum vitae (including names and contact information for 3 referees)
For further information, please contact Dr. John Majoris at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin May 1st, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
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 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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Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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