Postdoctoral Scholar - Cell and Biological Systems

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University in Hershey, PA invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar in the College of Medicine, Department of Cell and Biological Systems to study mitochondrial metabolism and metabolic stress signaling in cancer metastasis. This term position will explore how metabolism and nutrient stress influence metastatic progression through epigenetic remodeling.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer metabolism or related fields.
• Expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology and cancer metabolism required.
• Experience with genetically engineered mouse models and/or NGS data analysis desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Apply biochemistry and molecular biology techniques to study cancer metastasis.
• Work with mouse models, organoids/xenografts and metabolic analyses as part of the project.

Skills

Biochemistry

Molecular biology

Cancer metabolism

NGS data analysis

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent degree

Job description

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

The College of Medicine, Department of Cell and Biological Systems is seeking a postdoctoral scholar position in Dr. Shengyu Yang's lab in Hershey, PA to study the role of mitochondrial metabolism and metabolic stress signaling in cancer metastasis. Our goal is to reveal how the mitochondrial metabolism and nutrient stress controls metastatic progression through epigenetic remodeling.

This project is built on our recent discoveries that the actin cytoskeleton remodeling in metastatic cancer cells is able to control mitochondrial metabolism through regulating the homeostasis of mtDNA and the biogenesis of mitochondrial respiratory chain. Please see our publications for more information (Li et al, 2026, Nature Communications, PMID: 41476081; Wang et al, 2022, Cancer Res, PMID: 35413105; Lin et al, 2019, Cell Reports, PMID: 31509745; Lin et al, 2019, EMBO Mol Med, PMID: 31633874, ). Biochemistry, cell biology, genetically engineered mouse models and patient-derived organoids / xenografts will be employed in the study.

Successful applicants will be a highly motivated individual with a Ph.D. or equivalent degree and will have expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer metabolism or related fields.

Experience with genetically engineered mouse models and Next Generation Sequencing data analysis will be desirable but not required.

Individuals will benefit from trainings in orthotopic lung cancer and/or pancreatic cancer metastasis models, metabolomics/lipidomics, metabolic flux analysis and genetically-engineered cancer mouse models. There are also training opportunities in improving grant and manuscript writing skills, teaching, mentoring and presentation.

The research in Dr. Yang's lab is funded by grants from the National Cancer Institute, National Institute on Aging and Department of Defense. Penn State College of Medicine Campus is located in Hershey, PA. Hershey is a quiet, family friendly town with affordable living expense and easy access to major metropolitan areas (e.g. Philadelphia, Washington DC, New York City).

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

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 ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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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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