Postdoc: Molecular & Precision Medicine — Organoid Systems

Penn State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Access to cutting-edge technologies

Strong mentorship opportunities

Job summary

A reputable research institution in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to join a collaborative research team focused on mucosal biology, aging, and infectious diseases. The role involves independent research, utilizing advanced model systems, and offers strong mentorship opportunities. Candidates must possess a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field, with a strong publication record and expertise in molecular biology techniques. This position supports career development in academic medicine.

Qualifications

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret independent research projects.
• Generate high-quality, reproducible data suitable for publication.
• Mentor graduate students and junior trainees.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Cellular biology techniques

Critical thinking

Collaborative research

Education

PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree

Tools

Organoid systems

In vivo disease models

Job description

• 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.
  
  

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 Mills and Mysorekar Laboratories in the Department of Medicine / Molecular and Precision Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine invite applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join a highly collaborative team and translational research programs focused on mucosal biology, aging, infectious diseases, and cancer-associated tissue remodeling.

Our laboratories integrate molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches with advanced model systems—including organoids and in vivo disease models—to investigate mechanisms regulating epithelial homeostasis, host–pathogen interactions, immune responses, and age-associated tissue dysfunction.

The successful candidate will join a robust and intellectually vibrant research team composed of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical staff working collaboratively across multiple complementary projects. This position offers the opportunity to lead an independent research direction within a supportive, well-funded, and highly interactive environment. This position offers strong scientific mentorship, access to cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities for career development in academic medicine.

Research Areas of Interest

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Mucosal immunology and epithelial biology
• Aging biology, tissue regeneration, balance between stem cell recruitment and aging
• Host–pathogen interactions and infectious disease models
• Tumorigenesis, paligenosis, and tumor–microenvironment interactions
• Organoid, assembloid, or advanced tissue modeling systems
• Molecular pathways regulating inflammation, immune signaling, or cellular stress responses
  
  

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret independent research projects
• Apply molecular, cellular, and systems biology approaches to mechanistic questions
• Utilize advanced model systems including organoids and in vivo disease models
• Generate high-quality, reproducible data suitable for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals
• Prepare manuscripts and contribute to grant development
• Present findings at laboratory meetings and national/international conferences
• Mentor graduate students and junior trainees as appropriate
  
  

Required Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, cancer biology, aging biology, or related discipline
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Evidence of scientific independence and critical thinking
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with organoid systems or advanced 3D culture models
• Experience with infection biology or immune signaling pathways
• Experience with in vivo disease models
• Strong quantitative, imaging, or computational analysis skills
  
  

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.

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