Postdoctoral Scientist: Veterinary Diagnostics & NGS

Penn State University; Beaver (Beaver County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State Beaver Campus, home to the Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center (KADC) within PADLS, seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to advance diagnostic science for poultry and livestock.

The role spans development, validation, and implementation of molecular, serological, virological, and NGS assays, with opportunities to publish and present work; requires PhD and relevant experience. Located in Monaca, PA, the position is limited-term with potential renewal contingent on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• PhD in Veterinary or Animal Science completed within the last 3 years.
• Experience with molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular, serological, virological, parasitological and NGS techniques following established quality management and biosafety standards for endemic, high-consequence, and foreign-animal infectious diseases affecting poultry and livestock.
• Develop, validate, implement, and optimize new diagnostic assays and technologies to enhance laboratory capabilities and capacity.
• Participate in applied research projects focused on viral pathogenesis, diagnostic assay development, vaccine evaluation, and emerging animal diseases.
• Analyze and interpret data and prepare validation reports, SOPs, and other technical documentation.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts, conference presentations, grant proposals, and other scholarly activities.
• Assist with quality assurance activities, assay troubleshooting, proficiency testing, and regulatory compliance.
• Support laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, reagent preparation, and laboratory organization.
• Mentor undergraduate students, and other KADC laboratory personnel, in diagnostic and research techniques.

Skills

Molecular diagnostics

NGS

Education

PhD in Veterinary or Animal Science

Job description

Penn State Beaver Campus, home to the Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center (KADC) within PADLS, seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to advance diagnostic science for poultry and livestock.

The role spans development, validation, and implementation of molecular, serological, virological, and NGS assays, with opportunities to publish and present work; requires PhD and relevant experience. Located in Monaca, PA, the position is limited-term with potential renewal contingent on funding and performance.