Postdoctoral Researcher - Metabolomics, Microbial Metabolism, and Enzymology

Postdoctoral Researcher – Metabolomics, Microbial Metabolism, and Enzymology POSITION SPECIFICS

The Mohanty Lab at Penn State (University Park campus) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a highly interdisciplinary research program focused on decoding host‑microbiome chemical communication using mass spectrometry, data science, and experimental biochemistry.

• Untargeted and targeted LC‑MS/MS based metabolomics
• Repository‑scale metabolomics mining (GNPS/MassIVE, Metabo Lights, Metabolomics Workbench)
• Discovery and characterization of microbial and host‑derived metabolites
• Enzymology and biochemical characterization of metabolite‑modifying enzymes
• Integration of metabolomics with microbial, dietary, drug, and aging‑related phenotypes

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, or a related field.

Demonstrated research experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Mass spectrometry‑based metabolomics or proteomics
• Enzyme biochemistry or mechanistic enzymology
• Microbial metabolism or molecular biology
• Computational analysis of high‑dimensional biological data

• Experience with LC‑MS/MS data analysis (GNPS, MZmine, SIRIUS, or related tools)
• Experience with enzyme expression, purification, or biochemical assays
• Familiarity with R or Python for data analysis
• Interest in interdisciplinary research bridging computation and experimentation

The Mohanty Lab provides a collaborative, supportive environment with strong mentorship, opportunities for independent project development, conference travel, and career development toward academic, industry, or data science careers.

• Applicants should submit a single PDF containing:
• Cover letter describing research interests and fit
• Curriculum Vitae
• Brief research summary (1‑2 pages)
• Contact information for three referees
• Positions have flexible start dates, beginning as early as April 2026.

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 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 814‑865‑1473.

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.