Huck Institutes Life Sciences NSF NCEMS Postdoctoral Scholar - Biophysics

Position Overview

NCEMS at Penn State seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar in Biophysics. This full‑time, on‑site position at the Penn State University Park campus is a term appointment for one year, with a strong potential for renewal. Remote and hybrid work are not guaranteed.

The scholar will conduct original research using quantitative, computational, theoretical or data‑driven approaches to address questions in molecular and cellular biology. Areas of focus may include protein structure and function, molecular interactions, assemblies, intrinsically disordered proteins, biomolecular condensates, cellular organization, biological networks, molecular evolution, or systems‑level biophysical phenomena.

• Develop, implement, or apply analytical or computational models to molecular and cellular systems.
• Collaborate with NCEMS faculty, research staff, and Working Group members to advance shared research goals.
• Publish scholarly outputs in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Contribute to NCEMS data products, analytical tools, computational models, and methodological innovations.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

• A PhD in Biophysics, Physics, Biological Physics, Quantitative Biology, or a closely related field.
• Strong foundation in biophysics, statistical mechanics, molecular modeling, computational modeling, quantitative biology, dynamical systems, stochastic processes, or complex systems.
• Experience developing, implementing, or applying analytical or computational models to molecular and cellular systems.
• Proficiency in Python, R, MATLAB, or related scientific computing tools (desirable).
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research and produce scholarly outputs, evidenced by publications.
• Experience working with biological datasets such as protein interaction data, structural data, imaging data, molecular dynamics outputs, omics data, or biological network data (desirable).
• Independent self‑starter with strong work ethic, excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, and the ability to work well in a collaborative team environment.

• A cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV)

Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.

Penn State offers a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees.
Postdoctoral benefits are detailed on the 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.