Postdoctoral Scholar- Immunology, Microbiology, & Toxicology, Grembi Lab

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The Grembi Lab at Penn State University in State College, PA, seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to study the ecology of the human small intestine with a focus on environmental enteropathy. You will work across immunology, microbiology, toxicology and biochemistry, leveraging computational biology and epidemiology to understand microbial-host interactions under environmental stress.

The role involves independent project initiation, conference and manuscript contributions, and mentoring graduate and

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Microbiology, Biology, Toxicology, Biochemistry or related field.
• First-author publication required or demonstrated record of authorship.
• Experience in two of: flow cytometry, single-cell sequencing, metagenomics, organoids, primary cells or gut inflammation models.

Responsibilities

• Independently initiate and execute interdisciplinary research in immunology and related fields.
• Communicate findings at conferences and in peer‑reviewed manuscripts.
• Contribute to grant proposals and fellowships; mentor students.

Skills

Flow cytometry

Single-cell RNA sequencing

Shotgun metagenomics

Intestinal organoids

Primary human cells

Animal models

Education

PhD in Immunology / Microbiology / Biology / Toxicology / Biochemistry

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Grembi Lab at Penn State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar with expertise in immunology, microbiology, toxicology, or a related field to join our team studying the ecology of the human small intestine. Our work focuses on environmental enteropathy, a subclinical condition characterized by intestinal inflammation and increased permeability that is thought to contribute to childhood undernutrition and stunting. We use an interdisciplinary approach combining microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, computational biology, and epidemiology to understand how microbial communities in the small intestine develop, interact with the host, and respond to environmental conditions, with an increasing focus on environmental contaminants. Our team is based at Penn State's main campus in State College, Pennsylvania (a.k.a. Happy Valley), a welcoming college town with a remarkably low cost of living and easy access to outdoor recreation. Penn State's position as a leading R1 research university means you'll also have access to cutting-edge technology, a vibrant research community within the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and the One Health Microbiome Center, and numerous opportunities for local and global collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Independently initiate, execute, and complete interdisciplinary research involving immunology, toxicology, molecular biology, and biochemistry
• Communicate research findings via presentations at conferences and peer-reviewed manuscripts
• Contribute to grant proposals and fellowship applications, gaining experience in research funding and scientific writing
• Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students

Qualifications

Applicants should have a PhD in Immunology, Microbiology, Biology, Toxicology, Biochemistry, or a related field, along with excellent oral and written communication skills and at least one first-author publication. Strong candidates will have experience in at least two of the following areas: multiparameter flow cytometry; single-cell, RNA sequencing, or shotgun metagenomics data generation and analysis; intestinal organoids, primary human cells, or animal models of gut inflammation. Candidates should be highly motivated and creative, with a genuine interest in global health.

What We Offer

We are committed to building an inclusive and equitable lab environment and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. You will benefit from close mentorship from the PI and significant autonomy over your project. This position offers an excellent platform to develop skills in data science and statistics, with flexibility to tailor your training to align with your professional goals.

Position Details

Start date is flexible between September 2026 and January 2027. This is a limited-term position funded for one year with the potential to extend based on performance and funding. Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field and be able to provide evidence that all requirements have been met for completion of the Ph.D. prior to the effective date of hire.

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.)

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