Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences NSF NCEMS Postdoctoral Scholar - Biophysics

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Biophysics at the National Synthesis Center for Emergence in the Molecular and Cellular Sciences (NCEMS) within the Huck Institutes of Life Sciences. The role focuses on quantitative, computational, theoretical, or data-driven biophysics research in molecular and cellular biology.

The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty and NCEMS Working Groups, contribute to data products and analytical tools, and produce

Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics, Physics, Biological Physics, or Quantitative Biology or a closely related field is required.
• Experience with analytical or computational models to molecular and cellular systems is desired.
• Experience with Python, R, MATLAB or related scientific computing tools is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original biophysics research using quantitative, computational, theoretical, or data-driven approaches.
• Collaborate with NCEMS Working Groups to advance shared research goals.
• Produce high-impact scientific outputs and scholarly publications.

Skills

Python

R

MATLAB

Biophysics

Statistics

Education

PhD in Biophysics or related

Tools

Molecular dynamics packages

Job description

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 termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Postdoctoral Scholar (Biophysics)

The National Synthesis Center for Emergence in the Molecular and Cellular Sciences (NCEMS) at The Pennsylvania State University (ncems.psu.edu) seeks an outstanding scientist to fill a Postdoctoral Scholar position in Biophysics housed within the Huck Institutes of Life Sciences at Penn State.

NCEMS is an NSF-funded interdisciplinary research center positioned at the interface of data science, molecular and cellular biology, and quantitative physical sciences. The Center provides leadership in the integration of diverse, publicly available datasets to gain insights into emergent phenomena in molecular and cellular biology.

About the Position

The successful candidate, in collaboration with faculty and research staff at NCEMS, will conduct original biophysics research involving quantitative, computational, theoretical, or data-driven approaches in molecular and cellular biology. Research may involve protein structure and function, molecular interactions, molecular assemblies, intrinsically disordered proteins, biomolecular condensates, cellular organization, biological networks, molecular evolution, or systems-level biophysical phenomena.

The scholar’s independent work may use, extend, or contribute to NCEMS Working Group data products, analytical tools, computational models, and methodological innovations. The scholar will also collaborate with NCEMS Working Groups where their expertise can help advance shared research goals and produce high-impact scientific outputs.

This position is full time, on-site at the Penn State University Park campus. This position does not permit remote work. This is a term appointment funded for one year from the date of hire with an excellent chance for multiple years of renewal based upon mutual agreement.

Requirements

A PhD in Biophysics, Physics, Biological Physics, or Quantitative Biology or a closely related field is required. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in biophysics, statistical mechanics, molecular modeling, computational modeling, quantitative biology, dynamical systems, stochastic processes, complex systems, or related quantitative approaches. Candidates should have experience developing, implementing, or applying analytical or computational models to molecular and cellular systems. Expertise in Python, R, MATLAB, or related scientific computing tools is desirable. The successful candidate should have a demonstrated ability to conduct research and produce scholarly outputs, as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals. Experience working with biological datasets or biophysical systems is desirable, including protein interaction data, structural data, imaging data, molecular dynamics outputs, omics data, cellular organization data, or biological network data. Candidates must be independent self-starters, have a strong work ethic, strong interpersonal and written communication skills, and the ability to work well in a collaborative team environment.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically in a single PDF and should include:

• A cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV)

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.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.