Postdoctoral Scholar - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The Pennsylvania State University; Struble (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Position in the lab of Dr. Manyu Du. Work focuses on how transcription machineries and regulatory DNA elements organize in 3D to regulate gene expression using advanced imaging and biophysical approaches.

You will study transcriptional condensates in mouse cells, employing single-molecule imaging, lattice light sheet microscopy, and sequencing approaches to elucidate genome organization and regulation in health and disease.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biophysics, biochemistry or a related discipline.
• Independent, creative, and highly motivated post-doctoral scientist who can work effectively in a team.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the behavior of individual molecules and bio-molecular condensates in living cells.
• Develop and apply imaging and computational methods to visualize dynamic molecule clusters during gene expression.

Skills

Single-molecule imaging

Live-cell imaging

Fluorescence imaging

Quantitative modeling

Biochemistry background

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in molecular biophysics or biochemistry

Tools

Lattice light sheet microscopy

Computational methods

Biophysical data analysis

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Postdoctoral Position working on single molecule imaging and gene regulation One Postdoctoral Position is available in the lab of Dr. Manyu Du at The Pennsylvania State University. The Du lab is interested in understanding how transcription machineries and regulatory DNA elements organize in 3D in the nucleus to regulate gene expression. We leverage single-molecule super-resolution imaging, advanced lattice light sheet microscopy and other state of the art biophysical approaches to study molecular mechanisms of transcription, genome organization and bio-molecular condensation in live cells. We are using mouse embryonic stem cells and mouse erythroid leukemia cells to investigate the dynamics and function of transcriptional condensates in health and disease. Other than imaging, we are also interested in biochemical, genetic and sequencing approaches to understand gene regulation. This position is open immediately and initially funded for two years.

YOUR TASKS

Your role at the lab is to investigate the behavior of individual molecules and bio-molecular condensates in living cells. You will use and develop the imaging and computational methods that to visualize dynamic molecule clusters during gene expression to study the formation and function of these assemblies in gene regulation. We want to recruit postdoc who is familiar with any of the following topics: Prior background in studying bio-molecular condensates using a combination of biochemistry, fluorescence and quantitative modeling methods is highly desired. Prior backgrounds in single-molecule imaging, as well as DNA/RNA imaging in live mammalian cells are highly desired.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for independent, creative and highly motivated post-doctoral scientists interested in exploring biophysical principles that regulate genomic processes. Applicants should have a PhD in molecular biophysics, biochemistry or a related discipline. The ability to work effectively in a team and possess good communication skills.

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.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific 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.

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.