Researcher

Penn State University; Hershey, Northern (PA, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation expense assistance

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA, seeks a motivated Researcher to join the Townsend Lab in understanding host-microbiota interactions. The role emphasizes collaboration within an established team and opportunities to supervise undergraduate and graduate students.

Qualified candidates will have a PhD in molecular biology with 5+ years post‑doctoral work and a strong publication record; prior microbial culture and aseptic technique are required, with chromatographic experience

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology and 5+ years of post‑doc experience.
• Experience culturing microbes and aseptic technique required.
• Experience with chromatographic techniques is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate within an established research team.
• Supervise and instruct undergraduate and graduate students.
• Receive training in complementary techniques and mentoring support.

Skills

Microbial culturing

Aseptic technique

Chromatographic techniques

Education

PhD in molecular biology

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. 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 Townsend Lab is recruiting a motivated, enthusiastic, and highly organized non-tenure line Researcher to join our growing team in The Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. We are focused on understanding the interactions between our bodies and the human gut microbiota by characterizing the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship. We are seeking a skilled Researcher to collaborate within an established research team dedicated to characterizing the determinants microbial colonization of the mammalian intestine. Experience in culturing microbes and excellent aseptic technique are required. Applicants with experience in chromatographic techniques to fractionate bacterial metabolites, mucosal glycans, and other biomolecules is advantageous. This opportunity will provide training in complementary techniques and the candidate will receive robust verbal and written communication mentoring and support. Furthermore, the successful candidate will have many opportunities to supervise and instruct undergraduate and graduate students to enhance their marketable skills. Relocation expense assistance is available for candidates that meet the criteria of the College of Medicine and NIH. Qualified candidates will possess their PhD in the field of molecular biology, at least 5 years of post-doctoral experience, and have a strong scientific research publication record. Interested individuals should submit a brief letter of interest stating their research interests and expected start date along with their curriculum vitae and the names of 3 professional references.

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 wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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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.

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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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