Postdoctoral Scholar - The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences seeks an outstanding scientist to fill a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the research group of Dr Vidhi Pareek.

Our lab studies how cells organize their metabolism through enzyme complexes and their interaction with cellular organelles. We combine mass spectrometry imaging, biochemistry, structural biology, and cell biology to examine metabolism in single cells, tissues, and animal models. Our current projects focus on metabolic heterogeneity and pathological drivers in cancer.

Education and Experience: We're looking for someone who brings both technical expertise and creative thinking to the lab. The ideal candidate will have earned their Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or a closely related field. Your doctoral work should demonstrate a strong focus on developing methods and workflows for mass spectrometry imaging, particularly as applied to single cells, tissues, or organoids. Expertise in post-acquisition analysis is essential.

If you also bring experience in cell culture, tissue micro-dissection, or fluorescence imaging, these skills would be valuable additions to our team. We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate a track record of solving complex analytical challenges and working collaboratively.

About the Position: This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will take a leading role in method development, data analysis, and publication of results, while also having opportunities to mentor students and contribute to grant writing.

Working in our lab, you'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities at Penn State University and be part of a supportive research environment that encourages innovation and professional growth. Salary will be commensurate with your experience and qualifications, reflecting the importance of this role in our research program.

Essential job function: Design and implement research protocols; design safety procedures; adapt new procedures, methods or instrumentation related to research procedures.

• Collect, prepare, and analyze research data; experience in collecting and analyzing HPLC and proteomics and mass spectrometry data is required.
• Design and execute mass spectrometry imaging experiments
• Develop and optimize sample preparation protocols including flash freezing/ chemical fixation of samples and cryo-sectioning
• Process and analyze complex spatial metabolomics datasets
• Lead manuscript preparation and present findings at conferences
• Contribute to grant writing and research proposals
• Excellent communication with collaborators.
• Keep a detailed notebook summarizing experiments and recording research data; maintain computer database of research data
• Supervise other personnel in the laboratory to coordinate research efforts for increased efficiency; participate in training of fellows, students and volunteer workers as needed.
• Assist with ordering and procurement of supplies and equipment and with general maintenance of laboratory.

Application: Interested candidates must share:

• Your detailed CV
• A cover letter describing how your research experience and interests align with the position
• Contact information for three professional references
• PDF copies of two relevant publications that showcase your work

Contact at [vup9@psu.edu] and submit application in Workday. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

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Penn State offers competitive benefits for Postdoctoral Scholars, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans. Please visit https://www.research.psu.edu/opa/benefits for more detailed information.

The position will remain open until we find the right candidate to join our team.

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