Postdoctoral Scholar - Cancer Institute

Postdoctoral Scholar - Cancer Institute, Penn State University

Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Scholar - Cancer Institute role at Penn State University
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Current Penn State employees (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) should log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. Current Penn State students not previously employed at the university should also log in to Workday for the student application process. External applicants should click “Apply” and complete the application process.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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.

The Penn State College of Medicine, Cancer Institute in Hershey, PA is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to join an NIH-funded prestigious Program Project focused on acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This project studies ceramide-directed therapeutics for AML treatment. The position provides extensive training in preclinical cancer research, with a strong focus on mouse models, translational assays, and molecular techniques, and offers the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from leading experts in leukemia and sphingolipid field.

• Test therapeutic efficacy in AML using CDX, PDX, and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs).
• Perform in vivo imaging, tissue harvesting, flow cytometry and molecular analyses.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and rigorous data management.
• Contribute to manuscripts, grant writing, and mentoring of students/technicians.
• Participate in experimental design, data interpretation, and collaborative project discussions.
• Contribute to general lab operations, enforce safety and ethical compliance, and help establish standardized experimental protocols and training procedures.
• Present findings in lab meetings, institutional seminars, and scientific conferences; prepare manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals; and assist with grant proposal writing to support future funding.
• Supervise and mentor graduate students and research staff, and collaborate with lab members, clinicians, and external partners to advance shared research goals.
• Take advantage of training, seminars, and networking opportunities to build toward an independent academic or research career.

• PhD (or MD/PhD) in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, genetics, or a related field.
• Strong background in one or more relevant research areas (pharmacology, drug development, molecular techniques, cancer models).
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong publication record and hands‑on experience with mouse models and preclinical techniques and flow cytometry.
• Prior experience in gene regulation, hematopoiesis, or AML‑related mouse models preferred.
• Commitment to careful record‑keeping, reproducibility, and team‑based research.

Located in Hershey, PA, with convenient access to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York.

• Upload a CV and cover letter describing research experience and interests in the application portal.
• Email copies to Asharma.edu.
• For questions or application issues, contact Dr. Arati Sharma .

This position requires PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check in addition to applicable background checks.

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).

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 .

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.