Postdoctoral Scholar

Penn State University; Beaver (Beaver County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State Beaver Campus, home to the Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center (KADC) within PADLS, seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to advance diagnostic science for poultry and livestock.

The role spans development, validation, and implementation of molecular, serological, virological, and NGS assays, with opportunities to publish and present work; requires PhD and relevant experience. Located in Monaca, PA, the position is limited-term with potential renewal contingent on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• PhD in Veterinary or Animal Science completed within the last 3 years.
• Experience with molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular, serological, virological, parasitological and NGS techniques following established quality management and biosafety standards for endemic, high-consequence, and foreign-animal infectious diseases affecting poultry and livestock.
• Develop, validate, implement, and optimize new diagnostic assays and technologies to enhance laboratory capabilities and capacity.
• Participate in applied research projects focused on viral pathogenesis, diagnostic assay development, vaccine evaluation, and emerging animal diseases.
• Analyze and interpret data and prepare validation reports, SOPs, and other technical documentation.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts, conference presentations, grant proposals, and other scholarly activities.
• Assist with quality assurance activities, assay troubleshooting, proficiency testing, and regulatory compliance.
• Support laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, reagent preparation, and laboratory organization.
• Mentor undergraduate students, and other KADC laboratory personnel, in diagnostic and research techniques.

Skills

Molecular diagnostics

NGS

Education

PhD in Veterinary or Animal Science

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center (KADC), part of the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) at The Pennsylvania State University, is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to join its team at the Beaver Campus in Monaca, Pennsylvania. KADC is a newly established veterinary diagnostic laboratory, dedicated to advancing animal health through the development and implementation of innovative diagnostic technologies, surveillance of infectious diseases, and applied diagnostics research supporting Pennsylvania's livestock and poultry industries. The KADC is pursuing American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) accreditation, and National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) approval. The successful candidate will play a key role in expanding the laboratory's diagnostic capabilities through the development, validation, implementation, and optimization of molecular, serological, virological, and parasitological diagnostic assays, as well as next-generation sequencing (NGS). This position provides an excellent opportunity to bridge applied research with veterinary diagnostic service in a modern AAVLD and NAHLN laboratory environment, with the goals of protecting food animal populations from disease, ensuring the continued supply and safety of animal-based protein foods for human consumption, and supporting the economic viability of food animal agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular, serological, virological, parasitological and NGS techniques following established quality management and biosafety standards for endemic, high-consequence, and foreign-animal infectious diseases affecting poultry and livestock.
• Develop, validate, implement, and optimize new diagnostic assays and technologies to enhance laboratory capabilities and capacity.
• Participate in applied research projects focused on viral pathogenesis, diagnostic assay development, vaccine evaluation, and emerging animal diseases.
• Analyze and interpret data and prepare validation reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other technical documentation.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts, conference presentations, grant proposals, and other scholarly activities.
• Assist with quality assurance activities, assay troubleshooting, proficiency testing, and regulatory compliance.
• Support laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, reagent preparation, and laboratory organization.
• Mentor undergraduate students, and other KADC laboratory personnel, in diagnostic and research techniques.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• An earned Ph.D. in Veterinary or Animal Science, or a closely related field, completed within the last 3 years. (Evidence must be provided that all requirements have been met for completion of the Ph.D. prior to the effective date of hire.)
• Experience with molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Preferred Experience

• Veterinary diagnostic laboratory experience.
• Working with quality control/management systems.

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit:

• A cover letter describing their experience and interest in animal/veterinary diagnostics and applied research.
• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Contact information for two to three professional references.

This limited term position will be located at Penn State Beaver Campus, and is funded for one year from date of hire. There is an excellent possibility of re-funding of this position. Continuation beyond the initial appointment is contingent upon funding, and satisfactory performance.

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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