Postdoctoral Scholar - Heart and Vascular Institute

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Penn State College of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, in Hershey, PA is immediately seeking a post-doctoral scholar to study the impact of arrhythmia and heart failure in heart disease. The research position requires a PhD or MD degree at the time of appointment. Our laboratory uses multidisciplinary approaches to study the structural and electrical components of cardiovascular function. Our research spans from human to cell models, to small animals. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in cell culture including overexpression, siRNA transfection, and preferably in working with human cardiomyocyte lines. In addition, experience in handling small animals, electrocardiography, echocardiography and surgical skills to implant radiotelemetry would be an asset. Applicants should have expertise in basic laboratory techniques to perform immunoblotting assays, fluorescence imaging, fluorescence-based studies employing a robotics microplate reader, quantitative PCR, gel electrophoresis and cell culture techniques. The successful candidate must demonstrate technical and theoretical knowledge of the aforementioned assays. As a consequence, the candidate will be expected to analyze the data collected and present the results in formal presentations, manuscripts and grant applications.

Primary Duties

% of time

Position Summary

40-50%

Cell culture of commercially available and iPSC derived human cells lines, specifically cardiomyocytes. Prepare clones for transfection (overexpression) as well as executing siRNA knockdown lines and maintaining cultures. Prepare cardiomyocytes and perform contraction analyses at rest and in response to medication studies. Peform membrane potential and ion transient analysis in WT resting cells and with agonist administration, including dose response studies.

10-20%

Prepare cDNA clones for transfection, prepare dissection and dissociation solutions, process DNA and protein samples for PCR and Western blotting assays. Maintain cell line cultures for transfection. Transfect cell lines, perform pharmacological assays of transfected cell lines with the microplate reader, perform Western blotting assays and quantitative RT-PCR assays.

10%

Perform small animal cardiac structure and functional analysis. This includes independently performing small animal echocardiography, real-time measurements of function using 2D, M-mode, & Doppler technology, as well as analysis of data. Perform radiotelemeter implantation, resting electrocardiographic studies with measurement of appropriate intervals & segments along with analysis of this data, and finally, catecholaminergic stress testing with associated interval/segment measurement & analysis.

10%

Independently monitor and carry out oversight of animal lines including transgenic mice colony maintenance, employing gel electrophoresis and PCR techniques, preparing solutions and other routine lab duties. Analyze and plot data obtained from the assays performed.

10%

Provide training of other technicians to ensure that duties above are properly and aptly executed.

Position Scope:

Position Specific Competencies

Competency

Description

Effective knowledge

Knowledge of lab practices including initiating and maintaining cell lines and procedures in animal handling, dissection, Western blotting, c, cell speckle trackle imaging, cell patch clamp techniques, PCR, fluorescence imaging, sub-cloning, and transfection (employing lipofection, nuclear microinjection or electroporation).

Accountability & Self-Management

Work independently, with minimal supervision by PI. Perform routine duties using established procedures with coordination and effective communication with the PI.

Teamwork & Leadership

Independently develop and implement laboratory policies, update standard operating procedures that should ensure safe practices for all laboratory members. Participate and lead the laboratory in routine inspection and review.

Communication

Communicate effectively with PI and other laboratory members as the projects are executed. Excellent verbal and written communication required for manuscript and grant preparation.

Innovation & Problem Solving

Will contribute to the optimization of experimental procedures that require novel approaches.

Highly motivated candidates should apply for the position by uploading a cover letter describing your relevant experience, your current curriculum vitae, and the names of at least 3 job references.

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

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