Postdoctoral Scholar - Molecular and Precision Medicine / Medicine

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Mills and Mysorekar Laboratories within the Department of Medicine / Molecular and Precision Medicine. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team employing organoids and in vivo models to study mucosal biology, aging, host–pathogen interactions, and tumor–microenvironment dynamics.

We seek a candidate with a PhD, strong publication record, and expertise in molecular and cellular biology.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, cancer biology, aging biology, or related discipline.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed scientific journals.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Evidence of scientific independence and critical thinking.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret independent research projects.
• Apply molecular, cellular, and systems biology approaches to mechanistic questions.
• Utilize advanced model systems including organoids and in vivo disease models.
• Generate high‑quality, reproducible data suitable for publication in leading peer‑reviewed journals.
• Prepare manuscripts and contribute to grant development.
• Present findings at laboratory meetings and national/international conferences.
• Mentor graduate students and junior trainees as appropriate.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Immunology

Critical thinking

Independent researcher

Collaborative work

Education

PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree

Tools

Organoid systems

3D culture models

In vivo disease models

Imaging analysis tools

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Mills and Mysorekar Laboratories in the Department of Medicine / Molecular and Precision Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine invite applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join a highly collaborative team and translational research programs focused on mucosal biology, aging, infectious diseases, and cancer‑associated tissue remodeling. Our laboratories integrate molecular, cellular, and systems‑level approaches with advanced model systems—including organoids and in vivo disease models—to investigate mechanisms regulating epithelial homeostasis, host–pathogen interactions, immune responses, and age‑associated tissue dysfunction. The successful candidate will join a robust and intellectually vibrant research team composed of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical staff working collaboratively across multiple complementary projects. This position offers the opportunity to lead an independent research direction within a supportive, well‑funded, and highly interactive environment. This position offers strong scientific mentorship, access to cutting‑edge technologies, and opportunities for career development in academic medicine.

Research Areas of Interest

• Mucosal immunology and epithelial biology
• Aging biology, tissue regeneration, balance between stem cell recruitment and aging
• Host–pathogen interactions and infectious disease models
• Tumorigenesis, paligenosis, and tumor–microenvironment interactions
• Organoid, assembloid, or advanced tissue modeling systems
• Molecular pathways regulating inflammation, immune signaling, or cellular stress responses

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret independent research projects
• Apply molecular, cellular, and systems biology approaches to mechanistic questions
• Utilize advanced model systems including organoids and in vivo disease models
• Generate high‑quality, reproducible data suitable for publication in leading peer‑reviewed journals
• Prepare manuscripts and contribute to grant development
• Present findings at laboratory meetings and national/international conferences
• Mentor graduate students and junior trainees as appropriate

Required Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, cancer biology, aging biology, or related discipline
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed scientific journals
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Evidence of scientific independence and critical thinking
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with organoid systems or advanced 3D culture models
• Experience with infection biology or immune signaling pathways
• Experience with in vivo disease models
• Strong quantitative, imaging, or computational analysis skills

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.)

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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