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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Medicine and he Nighot laboratory in Hershey, PA is seeking a Post-doctoral scholar. The Nighot laboratory has been focused on intestinal mucosal homeostasis in health and disease (https://sites.psu.edu/nighot/ ). The lab is interested especially in the role of defective intestinal tight junction (TJ) barrier in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. The NIH funded research project has focus on the role of autophagy in TJ barrier regulation. Autophagy, a cell survival mechanism, degrades unnecessary, misfolded and long-lived proteins and organelles and helps cell survive under stress. The lab's pioneering studies have shown that autophagy enhances TJ barrier and ameliorates intestinal inflammation in experimental colitis. We are also interested in investigating novel targets to combat IBD, and the role of extra cellular matrix proteins, ion transporters, signaling molecules, and cytokines in intestinal inflammation.

We use in vivo , ex-vivo , whole animal, and in vitro  approaches in our research work. The techniques used in the lab include cell and molecular approaches, genetically modified animal models, advanced confocal imaging, and flow cytometry. The main responsibility of the person in this position is to actively participate in the ongoing research projects in the lab, explore new techniques and new direction of research, and provide support to the PI in developing research proposals. Ample professional and career development opportunities are available at the Penn State College of Medicine (https://med.psu.edu /).

Responsibilities

Job duties would include but not be limited to developing, designing and conducting research projects under general direction of the PI but in self-driven fashion; developing appropriate research methods; creative use of animal models;  data analyses and interpretation; presentation of research in scientific conferences and meetings; and manuscript preparation. This is an appointment for one year from the date of hire; extension subjected to the availability of funds.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a PhD in cell and molecular biology or comparable field in hand by time of start. The candidate will demonstrate evidence of strong research knowledge, teaching experience, skills and attitudes; an interest in the research field and a familiarity and success with the academic team research environment. The candidate will have ability for critical, out-of-box thinking, persistence in research work, ability to interrogate cellular pathways, and practical knowledge of advanced molecular techniques beside molecular cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and genetic modulation. Candidates who have been highly productive with motivation and passion for science and a wide range of research experiences are encouraged to apply.

This is a limited-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire.  

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

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.  

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Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

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

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