Postdoc / Research Scientist

Two NIH-funded post-doctoral / research scientist positions are available in Dr. Shengyu Yang’s lab at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine to study the role of mitochondrial metabolism and metabolic stress signaling in cancer metastasis. Our goal is to reveal how the mitochondrial metabolism and nutrient stress controls metastatic progression through epigenetic remodeling.  This project is built on our recent discoveries that the actin cytoskeleton remodeling in metastatic cancer cells is able to control mitochondrial metabolism through regulating the homeostasis of mtDNA and the biogenesis of mitochondrial respiratory chain. Please see our publications for more information (Wang et al, 2022, Cancer Res, PMID: 35413105; Lin et al, 2019, Cell Reports, PMID: 31509745; Lin et al, 2019, EMBO Mol Med,  PMID: 31633874). Collectively, these findings are foundations for 3 active R01/RF1 grant from the NIH. Biochemistry, cell biology, genetically engineered mouse models and patient-derived organoids / xenografts will be employed in the study.  Successful applicant will be a highly motivated individual with a Ph.D. or equivalent degree and will have expertise in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer metabolism or related fields.  Experience with genetically engineered mouse models and Next Generation Sequencing data analysis will be desirable but not required.

Individuals will benefit from trainings in orthotopic lung cancer and/or pancreatic cancer metastasis models, 3-dimentional organoid culture models and genetically-engineered cancer mouse models. There are also training opportunities in improving grant and manuscript writing skills, teaching, mentoring and presentation. 

The research in Dr. Yang’s lab is funded by grants from the National Cancer Institute, Department of Defense and the Elsa U. Pardee Foundation. Penn State College of Medicine Campus is located in Hershey, PA. Hershey is a quiet, family friendly town with affordable living expense and easy access to major metropolitan areas (e.g. Philadelphia, Washington DC, New York City).

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. Women and underrepresented minorities are especially encourage to apply.

Please send cover letter, CV and contact information for three references to Dr. Shengyu Yang at sxy99@psu.edu