Postdoctoral Scholar - Pharmacology

Penn State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is looking for a postdoctoral fellow to join the Department of Pharmacology. This role focuses on studying neural mechanisms affecting behavior through innovative research methodologies. Ideal candidates are driven individuals holding a Ph.D. in relevant disciplines, eager to contribute to significant scientific advancements.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field required.
• Experience with in vivo electrophysiology or rodent behavior preferred.
• Interest in brain function is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interdisciplinary studies on neural modulations affecting behavior.
• Master techniques in neurophysiology, behavioral analysis, and pharmacology.
• Develop novel therapeutics for cognitive decline.

Skills

Neurophysiological techniques

Quantitative skills

Analytical skills

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Physiology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology or related discipline

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

+ CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSha...\_sU3KzTmERfpryq0esPKQ) . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

+ CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSha...) Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

+ If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application\_Process\_for\_External\_Applications\_Non-Penn\_State\_Employees\_.pdf) .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

A postdoctoral fellow position is available at the laboratory of Yang Yang in the Department of Pharmacology of Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. We seek highly motivated and dedicated individuals to participate in our study on mechanisms of neural modulations in the brain affecting behavior. The Yang lab is a part of Translational Brain Research Center and uniquely positioned as a hub to carry interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on neuronal and molecular mechanisms of cognition. We use multi-disciplinary approaches ranging from behavioral neuroscience and in vivo electrophysiology to in vitro molecular and computational modeling and pharmacology. One goal is to understand how specific receptor systems affect the function of critical cognitive systems, and use this knowledge to discover and develop novel therapeutics as treatment or prevention for cognitive decline, commonly seen in many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and normal aging. For additional information about Dr. Yang, please refer to the website at https://pennstate.pure.elsevier.com/en/persons/yang-yang.

As part of this position, the candidate will be given the opportunity to learn and master neurophysiological, behavioral, and pharmacological techniques routinely performed in our lab, and use quantitative and analytical skills to carry out in-depth neuroscience and mechanistic studies. We value and facilitate independent thinking, and have a supportive environment with numerous programs to enhance career development. The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Physiology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, or a related discipline. Preference will be given to candidates with some prior experience in one of the approaches we use (e.g., in vivo electrophysiology, rodent behavior, general neuroscience methods, etc.), and a desire to become more multidisciplinary, but an interest in the function of the brain is essential.

The initial appointment is for one-year renewable upon mutual agreement. Salary is commensurate with skills and level of experience. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at https://research.med.psu.edu/postdocs/. As one of the top-rated public universities in the country, the Pennsylvania State University is internationally renowned for its excellence in academics and research. Hershey Pennsylvania has a college town atmosphere (the medical center is the largest employer) but is culturally diverse, has superb public schools, a vigorous cultural and entertainment environment, and a variety of housing choices within minutes of Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The town is only minutes from the state capital in Harrisburg; Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC are within two hours; and New York City within three hours.

Individuals who are interested in this position should send a cover letter, stating their career objectives and research interests, together with their CV, including names & contact details of three references to Dr. Yang at [e-mail], and indicate ‘Postdoc Application’ in the subject of their emails.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, disabled individuals, and other protected groups.

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 (https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports) .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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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Hotlines

Hershey, PA