Postdoctoral Scholar - Dermatology

Postdoctoral Scholar Position

The laboratory of Dr. Ryan Hobbs in the Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar to work on campus in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Research in the Hobbs Laboratory focuses on understanding how epithelial cells sense and respond to cellular, environmental, and inflammatory stress. Using skin keratinocytes as a primary model system, the laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate epithelial survival, differentiation, cell adhesion, tissue repair, and disease development.

Current projects integrate advanced light microscopy, cell and molecular biology, functional genomics, and drug-discovery approaches to identify pathways that control keratinocyte stress responses and to evaluate potential therapeutic modifiers of epithelial dysfunction.

The successful applicant will lead research projects employing advanced fluorescence and live-cell microscopy techniques to investigate dynamic cellular and molecular processes in keratinocytes. The position will also involve the development and implementation of targeted and higher-throughput drug-discovery screening approaches, including assay optimization, compound testing, quantitative imaging, and validation of candidate therapeutic agents.

Responsibilities:

• Independently design, conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments related to assigned research projects.
• Apply advanced light microscopy approaches, including fluorescence, confocal, live-cell, and quantitative imaging techniques.
• Develop and execute drug-discovery and small-molecule screening assays using keratinocyte and epithelial model systems.
• Establish, optimize, and troubleshoot cellular, molecular, biochemical, and imaging-based experimental methods.
• Maintain and experimentally manipulate primary and immortalized keratinocyte cultures and other relevant epithelial model systems.
• Analyze microscopy, molecular, and functional screening data using appropriate quantitative and statistical approaches.
• Seek out new scientific resources and learn or develop new techniques as warranted by project needs.
• Maintain accurate and complete experimental records and contribute to laboratory data-management practices.
• Present scientific findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, scientific conferences, and other professional venues.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, abstracts, reports, and other research-related documents.
• Contribute to the development of grant applications and future research directions.
• Train and mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, and other laboratory personnel.
• Contribute positively to the overall laboratory environment and participate actively in scientific discussions and collaborative projects.
• Ensure that research is conducted in compliance with institutional policies, approved protocols, and laboratory safety guidelines.

Qualifications:

• A PhD in biomedical sciences, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, cancer biology, dermatology, or a related discipline by the appointment start date.
• Demonstrated research experience in keratinocyte biology, epithelial cell biology, skin biology, or a closely related area.
• Strong technical knowledge of cellular and molecular biology methods.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and standard molecular and biochemical techniques.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and quantitative analysis of microscopy data.
• Evidence of scientific productivity and the ability to communicate research findings effectively.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.