Postdoctoral Scholar - Cell and Biological Systems

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.

About the role

The Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Cell and Biological Systems in Hershey, PA is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to study the role of metabolic stress signaling and metabolic vulnerability in metastatic cancer in Dr. Shengyu Yang’s lab. The goal is to reveal how mitochondrial metabolism and nutrient stress control metastatic progression through metabolic reprogramming. This project builds on recent discoveries showing that cystine limitation stress promotes pancreatic cancer tumor growth and metastasis through metabolic reprogramming, exposing a lipid metabolism vulnerability targetable by lomitapide, an FDA-approved lipid metabolism drug.

Biochemistry, cell biology, genetically engineered mouse models, and patient-derived organoids/xenografts will be employed in the study. Successful applicants will benefit from training in orthotopic lung cancer and/or pancreatic cancer metastasis models, metabolomics/lipidomics, metabolic flux analysis, and genetically engineered cancer mouse models. Additional training opportunities include grant and manuscript writing, teaching, mentoring, and presentation skills.

The research in Dr. Yang’s lab is funded by grants from the National Cancer Institute, National Institute on Aging, and Department of Defense.

Penn State College of Medicine is located in Hershey, PA—a quiet, family-friendly town with affordable living expenses and easy access to major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, Washington DC, and New York City.

Responsibilities

• Investigate metabolic stress signaling and metabolic vulnerability in metastatic cancer.
• Utilize biochemistry, cell biology, genetically engineered mouse models, and patient-derived organoids/xenografts.
• Analyze Next Generation Sequencing data (desirable but not required).
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

• Recent Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer metabolism, or related fields.
• Highly motivated with expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology, or cancer metabolism.
• Experience with genetically engineered mouse models and Next Generation Sequencing data analysis is desirable but not required.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. For more detailed information, visit the Postdoctoral Benefits page.

Clearances

This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.