Postdoctoral Scholar

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Oct 28, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding. POSITION SPECIFICS Dr. Mathias Martins is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join his research program in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University. The laboratory focuses on poultry viral diseases, with an emphasis on viral pathogenesis, molecular diagnostic development, and vaccine research. The successful candidate will take a leading role in research projects investigating avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), including the development and validation of molecular diagnostic assays and experimental studies to better understand viral pathogenesis in poultry. The candidate will also contribute to research evaluating vaccine efficacy against H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry. Key Responsibilities Lead research activities involving aMPV diagnostic assay development, validation, and viral pathogenesis studies. Develop, optimize, and implement molecular, virological, and serological assays for virus detection and characterization of immune responses. Conduct experimental infection and vaccine evaluation studies in poultry. Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data and contribute to scientific publications and presentations. Ensure compliance with institutional biosafety, laboratory safety, and animal care protocols, including requirements for work in high-containment facilities. Maintain laboratory equipment, manage supplies, and ensure accurate experimental records. Required Qualifications Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree, and/or PhD in virology, veterinary medicine, microbiology, immunology, or a related field, completed by the start date. Preferred Experience and Skills Demonstrated research experience in virology, infectious diseases, or a closely related discipline. Experience with virus isolation, cell culture, and molecular diagnostic techniques, including PCR and RT-PCR. Experience with serological assays and evaluation of immune responses. Experience conducting animal experiments preferably involving poultry. Experience preparing scientific manuscripts and mentoring students or laboratory personnel. Interested candidates must submit the following materials through the Penn State Careers website: A cover letter describing their research background, relevant experience, and research interests. Curriculum vitae (CV). Names and contact information for two to three professional references. Applications must be submitted online at https://hr.psu.edu/careers This appointment is initially for one year, with excellent opportunities for renewal depending on performance. Review of applications will begin as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. For more information or questions, please contact Dr. Mathias Martins at m.martins@psu.edu BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 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 ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.) CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity 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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission. 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