Postdoctoral Scholar - Makova Lab

The research laboratory of Dr. Kateryna Makova in the Department of Biology at The Pennsylvania State University has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to study mammalian genome evolution. Candidates with an interest in the comparative analysis of telomere-to-telomere genomes, non-canonical DNA (i.e., non-B DNA), and sex chromosomes are particularly encouraged to apply.

About the role

We are part of the Center for Medical Genomics and the Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. We have strong links to Penn State College of Medicine and computational biologists from the Galaxy team. Penn State is a vibrant scientific community with strengths in bioinformatics, computational genomics, statistics, molecular evolution, and population genetics. Our location in State College, Pennsylvania, is known for excellent schools, affordable living, and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will join an established dynamic group with a strong record of funding and publications (see our latest papers in Nature, Science Advances, Nucleic Acids Research, Genome Biology). The candidate will work in a highly collaborative interdisciplinary environment and will have an opportunity to validate their computational findings in an experimental laboratory.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Biology or a related field is required, and experience in the analysis of next-generation sequencing data, whole-genome alignments, and assemblies is preferred.
• Candidates should be familiar with computational biology techniques and scientific programming.
• Prior experience with cloud and/or high-performance computing is a bonus.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience

A Ph.D. in Biology or a related field is required, and experience in the analysis of next-generation sequencing data, whole-genome alignments, and assemblies is preferred. Candidates should be familiar with computational biology techniques and scientific programming. Prior experience with cloud and/or high-performance computing is a bonus.

Skills

• Experience in the analysis of next-generation sequencing data, whole-genome alignments, and assemblies.
• Familiarity with computational biology techniques and scientific programming.
• Prior experience with cloud and/or high-performance computing.

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, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

Pay

The starting salary for this position is $55,000 per year.

Schedule

The start date is flexible, with spring or summer 2026 start dates preferred.

Contact

All questions can be directed to Dr. Kateryna Makova at makovakateryna@gmail.com.

Interested applicants should submit a single pdf including a one-page cover letter justifying interest in our lab, a CV, three representative publications, and contact information of three referees.

For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Background checks/clearances are required for employment with the University.