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

Penn State University • University Park, IL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The National Synthesis Center for Emergence in the Molecular and Cellular Sciences (NCEMS) at The Pennsylvania State University 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. The successful candidate 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

• PhD in Physics or Biological Physics is required.
• 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.
• Ability to conduct research and produce scholarly outputs as demonstrated through publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Familiarity with molecular and cellular biology concepts, such as protein interactions, molecular assemblies, gene regulation, cellular organization, or biological networks.
• Independent self-starters.
• Strong work ethic.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Support the scholar’s development as an independent researcher.
• Embed in a highly collaborative synthesis science environment.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree