Postdoctoral Scholar

The Pennsylvania State University; Monaca (Beaver County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center (KADC) at The Pennsylvania State University, Beaver Campus, seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to advance diagnostic assays and sequencing workflows for animal health research. The role bridges applied research with veterinary diagnostics in a modern lab setting.

The successful candidate will lead development and validation of assays, work with NGS technologies, and contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals while supporting laboratory operations and mentorship

Qualifications

• PhD in Veterinary or Animal Science or closely related field 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.
• Develop, validate, implement, and optimize new diagnostic assays and technologies.
• 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 manuscripts, conference presentations, grant proposals, and other scholarly activities.
• Assist with quality assurance activities, assay troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Molecular diagnostics

NGS

Biomedical research

Education

PhD in Veterinary or Animal Science

Tools

PCR

NGS platforms

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeseeNotice 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

Position Description

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.

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.

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