Postdoctoral Scholar - Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences/NSF NCEMS

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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

Postdoctoral Scholar (Physics / Statistical Mechanics in Molecular Biology)

The National Synthesis Center for Emergence in the Molecular and Cellular Sciences (NCEMS) at The Pennsylvania State University ( ncems.psu.edu ) seeks an outstanding scientist to fill a Postdoctoral Scholar position in Physics, Statistical Mechanics, and Quantitative Modeling housed within the Huck Institutes of Life Sciences at Penn State University.

NCEMS is an NSF-funded interdisciplinary research center positioned at the interface of data science, molecular and cellular biology, and quantitative physical sciences. The Center provides leadership in the integration of diverse, publicly available datasets, to gain insights into emergent phenomena in molecular and cellular biology.

About the Position

The successful candidate, in collaboration with faculty at NCEMS, will conduct research in molecular biology by applying methods from physics, statistical mechanics, quantitative modeling, or related areas that synergize with the scientific goals, data products, and methodological innovations of NCEMS. This position is designed to support the scholar’s development as an independent researcher while embedding them in a highly collaborative synthesis science environment.

This position is full time, on-site at the Penn State University Park campus. This position does not permit remote work. This is a term appointment funded for one year from the date of hire with an excellent chance for multiple years of renewal based upon mutual agreement.

Requirements

A PhD in Physics or Biological Physics is required. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in statistical mechanics, stochastic processes, dynamical systems, complex systems, or related quantitative approaches; Experience in developing and implementing analytical or computational models and simulations. An ability to conduct research and produce scholarly outputs as demonstrated through publications in peer-reviewed journals. Familiarity is expected with molecular and cellular biology concepts, such as protein interactions, molecular assemblies, gene regulation, cellular organization, or biological networks. Candidates must be independent self-starters, have a strong work ethic, strong interpersonal and written communication skills, and the ability to work well in a collaborative team environment.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically in a single PDF and should include:

A cover letter

Curriculum vitae (CV)

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.)

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