Postdoctoral Scholar - Comparative Medicine

1000scholars; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA, within Comparative Medicine, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Laboratory Animal Medicine and comparative biomedical research. The role provides hands-on veterinary care across species and mentorship leading to published work.

Responsibilities include clinical care, welfare advisory, staff training, IACUC participation, and completion of a mentored research project with potential first-author publication.

Qualifications

• DVM/VMD or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.
• ECFVG certification required for non-accredited foreign graduates.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical veterinary care, health monitoring, and preventive medicine for laboratory animals.
• Advise investigators on animal model use and welfare considerations.
• Train staff and students in animal handling and techniques.
• Participate in IACUC activities, protocol reviews, inspections, and post-approval monitoring.
• Complete mentored research with presentation and first-author publication.
• Participate in seminars, rounds, and didactic coursework.

Skills

Strong written communication

Verbal communication

Collaborative work

Interest in laboratory animal medicine

Education

DVM or VMD or equivalent

ECFVG certification (if foreign graduate)

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA in Comparative Medicine is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar. This position is a postdoctoral training position that is designed for graduate veterinarians (DVM, VMD, or equivalent) seeking advanced training in laboratory animal medicine and comparative biomedical research. The fellow will rotate through diverse research environments and gain hands‑on experience providing veterinary care for commonly used laboratory animal species, including mice, rats, rabbits, livestock species, and zebrafish.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide clinical veterinary care, health monitoring, and preventive medicine for laboratory animal species


• Support biomedical research by advising investigators on animal model use and welfare considerations


• Train research staff and students in proper animal handling and techniques


• Participate in Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) activities, including protocol review, inspections, and post‑approval monitoring


• Complete a mentored research project with the goal of presentation and first‑author publication


• Participate in educational activities such as seminars, rounds, and didactic coursework

Required Qualifications

• DVM, VMD, or equivalent veterinary degree from an accredited institution


• For graduates of non‑accredited foreign veterinary schools, ECFVG (Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates) certification is required


• A valid, unrestricted veterinary license in at least one U.S. state


• Demonstrated interest in laboratory animal medicine, comparative medicine, or biomedical research


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Who We Are

The Comparative Medicine Animal Resource Program supports Penn State’s research mission through excellence in animal care, regulatory oversight, and scientific collaboration. Our Laboratory Animal Medicine Training Program is recognized by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine and prepares trainees for professional careers through comprehensive clinical, regulatory, and scholarly training. Learn more about the program and the didactic curriculum at: https://med.psu.edu/residencies-fellowships/professional-programs/laboratory-animal-medicine-training-program

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 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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