Skip to main content

This job has expired

Postdoctoral Scholar

Employer
Pennsylvania State University
Location
State College, Pennsylvania
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Aug 8, 2019

View more

Discipline
Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Health Sciences, Public Health, Other
Position Type
Full Time
Job Type
Postdoc
Organization Type
Academia

Postdoctoral Scholar

The Abel zur Wiesch lab at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to lead the development of mathematical models that improve antibiotic dosing. The rise of antibiotic resistance is a major public health problem. Maximizing efficacy and minimizing resistance for both existing and new drugs plays a key role in our defense against antibiotic resistant pathogens. However, to speed the development of new antibiotics or to inform practices which minimize resistance, we require quantitative predictions for antibiotics or resistant bacterial strains that have not been characterized yet. Our group includes researchers with training in theoretical biology, biochemistry, physics, engineering, computer science and computational biology. We use theoretical models in close collaboration with experimentalists and clinicians to explore how we could use both within-host and population-wide drug treatment strategies to minimize human morbidity and mortality. Our work focuses on improving our basic understanding of antibiotic action with model organisms and rationalizing treatment for tuberculosis, the bacterial diseases with the largest world-wide disease burden. The projects will combine mathematical modelling with the analysis of clinical and experimental data. The Systems Pharmacology group has documented expertise in all of these areas (Abel zur Wiesch & al., Science Transl. Medicine 2015, Abel zur Wiesch & al., Lancet Infectious Diseases 2011, Abel, Abel zur Wiesch & al., Nature Methods 2015), and we collaborate with leaders in the field of drug discovery and resistance evolution. The projects therefore offer a unique opportunity to get experience in a wide range of interesting research topics. We seek a candidate that is highly enthusiastic about basic research with medical applicability, and is motivated and willing to integrate in a young team of researchers. You should have solid programming skills and a strong quantitative background and be passionate about applying your skills to biological and medical questions. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and strong interest in Public Health, Pharmacology, Infectious Diseases, Biochemistry and/or Mathematical Biology is desirable. Previous experience with mathematical modelling and/or analysis of large datasets is an advantage, as is experience in pharmacokinetic modelling. Good command of English and scientific writing skills are required. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with other faculty, scientists, and students in a dynamic and multi-disciplinary environment. We will help the successful candidate in developing their own interests and also encourage attending international conferences and visiting collaborators. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire, with excellent possibility of re-funding. Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their research experience and how these experiences relate to the position, a CV, and contact information for three references. For informal inquiries, please email Pia Abel zur Wiesch (pia.z.wiesch@uit.no). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Apply online at https://psu.jobs/job/87870

To review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters and policies, please go to https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports, which will also explain how to request a paper copy of the Annual Security Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert