Postdoctoral Scholar - Medicine

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sleep-Vascular Program at Penn State, part of The Pennsylvania State University, seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar in Hershey, PA. The project investigates hypertension and endothelial function in obstructive sleep apnea using human and tissue models.

You will lead translational studies with intermittent hypoxia and collaborate with vascular physiologists. The role requires MD or PhD (by start) and strong publication records, with experience in RNA measurements, imaging, and clinical research

Qualifications

• MD or PhD completed by start of employment in biological sciences discipline or equivalent.
• Experience with laboratory techniques including transcription regulation, imaging, tissue-on-chip, vascular biology, oxidative biology, or hypoxia research.
• Some experience with human research or completion of required training.
• Experience with statistical software.

Responsibilities

• Lead translational project evaluating intermittent hypoxia effects on sympathetic and endothelial function in humans and tissue models.
• Contribute to cardiovascular physiology studies and lead ex-vivo and in-vitro experiments with human tissue and cultured endothelial cells.
• Collaborate with a senior project manager overseeing wet-lab operations and coordinate with vascular physiologists.

Skills

Excellent verbal communication

Publications/writing

Statistical software

Laboratory techniques

Education

MD or PhD completed by start of employment

Biological sciences background

Job description

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Medicine in Hershey, PA is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to join our newly established program, The Sleep-Vascular Program at Penn State led by Dr. Rami Khayat. The team works on understanding the pathways and treatment options of hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Ongoing projects range from molecular studies of the effect of intermittent hypoxia on nitric oxide biology in human endothelial tissue to human studies using cardiovascular physiology measurements to understand the pathways of hypertension and its treatment options in patients with OSA. Newly NIH funded projects also include mathematical modeling and machine learning of models of tissue hypoxia using sleep studies and molecular markers. The team uses quantitative RNA measurements, immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging techniques, and is developing measurements using HPLC, enzymatic assays, and chemiluminescence. In-vivo human studies utilize skin biopsy techniques, endothelial reactivity, echocardiography, microneurography measurements of sympathetic nerve activity, and microdialysis. The new postdoctoral scholar will lead a translational project that evaluates the effect of intermittent hypoxia on sympathetic and endothelial functions in humans and tissue models. Cardiovascular studies will be conducted by a dedicated team of vascular physiologists. The scholar will participate in the cardiovascular physiology studies and lead ex-vivo and in-vitro experiments in human tissue and cultured endothelial cells using intermittent hypoxia exposure. The scholar will collaborate and receive support from a senior project manager who oversees the wet-lab operations. The project requires interaction with patient-volunteers and knowledge of clinical research regulation.

Minimum Requirements

• MD or PhD (completed by start of employment) in biological sciences discipline or equivalent.
• A technical background is required regardless of the Ph.D. degree; Experience with laboratory techniques including transcription regulation, imaging, tissue-on-chip, vascular biology, oxidative biology, or hypoxia research.
• Some experience with human research or completion of required training.
• Experience with statistical software.
• Proven writing abilities through publications.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in multi-disciplinary collaborative research.
• Knowledge of analysis software and machine learning techniques.

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.)

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.