Researcher- Heart and Vascular Institute

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Heart and Vascular Institute, in Hershey, PA is seeking a non‑tenure‑line position at the rank of Researcher to study the interactions between the estrogen receptors and novel drug molecules using a variety of wet (ligand assays, western blotting, cloning) and dry (computational modeling, docking and drug design) laboratory techniques. The position is in Dr.

Shyam Bansal’s laboratory, focusing on the role of estrogen receptor signaling in mediating T‑cell activation and other inflammatory immune responses in cardiovascular disease. The laboratory employs multidisciplinary approaches, including human and animal studies with advanced imaging and electrophysiologic techniques such as flow cytometry, vesicular analysis, and echocardiography.

• Perform small animal cardiac structure and functional analysis, including independent echocardiography and data analysis.
• Maintain cell lines and perform pharmacological assays with microplate readers, western blotting, and quantitative RT‑PCR assays related to estrogen signaling.
• Monitor animal lines, including transgenic mice colony maintenance, gel electrophoresis, and PCR techniques, and analyze and plot resulting data.
• Provide training to other technicians to ensure proper execution of duties.

• Effective knowledge of laboratory practices in animal handling, dissection, western blotting, PCR, fluorescence imaging, sub‑cloning, and transfection.
• Accountability & self‑management: work independently with minimal supervision and communicate effectively with the PI.
• Teamwork & leadership: develop and implement laboratory policies and update standard operating procedures to ensure safe laboratory practices.
• Communication: excellent verbal and written communication required for manuscript and grant preparation.
• Innovation & problem‑solving: contribute to the optimization of experimental procedures with novel approaches.

The successful candidate must possess a doctoral degree with expertise in molecular biology, experience with in‑vivo and in‑vitro inflammation models, and computational methods of drug design and docking. Experience with cell culture techniques and the ability to isolate and culture primary cells are essential. The candidate will also analyze data collected and present results in formal presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and a robust retirement plan. The benefits package also includes a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

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.