Postdoctoral Scholar in Animal Genomics and Reproductive Biology

Position Specifics

The Liu Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on animal genomics, genome regulation, testis development, germ cell biology, and male fertility. The laboratory employs integrative genomic and computational approaches in cattle and mouse models to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive development and fertility. The successful candidate will participate in federally funded projects involving functional annotation of the bovine genome, characterization of molecular pathways regulating testis development, and identification of genetic factors associated with male fertility traits. The position also provides opportunities to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying germ cell development and reproductive biology using cutting-edge genomic and computational approaches. Candidates with expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, genetics, molecular biology, reproductive biology, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute research projects related to testis development, germ cell biology, and male fertility using bovine and mouse models.
• Analyze and integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic datasets using computational and statistical approaches.
• Develop bioinformatic workflows and contribute to data interpretation and biological discovery.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication, present research findings at scientific meetings, and contribute to grant proposals and project reports.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees and participate in collaborative research activities.

Qualifications

• Required: Ph.D. in Genomics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Animal Science, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Reproductive Biology, or a related field. The successful candidate must have completed all degree requirements by the appointment date.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong publication record relative to career stage.
• Proficiency in core laboratory or analytical methods for molecular biology, sequencing, or bioinformatics.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in genomic data analysis, computational biology, statistical genetics, or functional genomics.
• Proficiency in R, Python, Linux/Unix, and high-performance computing environments.
• Experience with single-cell genomics, functional genomics, statistical genetics, or large-scale consortium datasets.

Research Environment

The Liu Laboratory provides a highly collaborative research environment with access to advanced genomic technologies, high-performance computing resources, and extensive national and international research collaborations. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop independent research projects, publish in leading journals, and work at the interface of animal genomics, functional genomics, and reproductive biology. Dr. Liu is a member of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State, which offers outstanding interdisciplinary research infrastructure and expertise in genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, molecular and reproductive biology. The postdoctoral scholar will collaborate with researchers across multiple institutions and contribute to large-scale initiatives focused on livestock genomics, genome function, and reproductive biology.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit an online application at Penn State’s Job Posting Board and should upload the following application materials: Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) describing your research background and interest in the program, CV with full publication list, and names and contact information for three professional references. Please submit a Cover Letter and CV in a single PDF. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.