About this Postdoctoral Scholar – Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Research role at Penn State University
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This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Postdoctoral Scholar – Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Research
Department of Medicine –Penn State College of Medicine
Hershey, Pennsylvania
The laboratory of Dr. Mahmud Arif and Dr. Dawood Darbar in the Department of Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join a cardiovascular research program focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias.
Our research integrates genetically engineered mouse models, cardiac electrophysiology, ion channel biology, and translational cardiovascular research to investigate how genetic variants and environmental risk factors contribute to cardiac arrhythmias and electrical remodeling.
Research Areas
The successful candidate will participate in projects involving:
- Mouse models of cardiac arrhythmias/sudden cardiac death
- Isolation and functional characterization of atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes
- Cardiac electrophysiology and ion channel studies
- Molecular and cellular mechanisms of inherited arrhythmias
- Functional characterization of disease-associated genetic variants
- Development of novel therapeutic strategies for arrhythmia prevention and treatment
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, Cardiovascular Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related field
- Ph.D. completed within the last 1–2 years
- Demonstrated experience working with mouse models
- Expertise in mouse handling, breeding, genotyping, and animal procedures
- Proven experience isolating adult mouse atrial/ventricular cardiomyocytes, Langendorff perfusion method preferred.
- Strong publication record, including at least one first-author peer-reviewed publication
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology
- Experience recording cardiac ionic currents and action potentials in isolated cardiomyocytes
- Knowledge of cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia mechanisms
- Experience with calcium imaging, optical mapping, or cardiac physiology techniques
- Familiarity with molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, Western blotting, RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis
- Experience analyzing electrophysiological and omics datasets
Career Development
The successful candidate will receive strong mentorship and career development support from Dr. Mahmud Arif and Dr. Dawood Darbar. The laboratory is committed to helping postdoctoral scholars establish independent research careers through:
- Individualized mentoring and career planning
- Opportunities to lead research projects and publish in high-impact journals
- Guidance in developing fellowship applications and career development awards
- Encouragement and support for applying to NIH, AHA, and other external funding mechanisms
- Training in grant writing, scientific communication, and laboratory leadership
Application Materials
Interested applicants should submit:
Cover letter describing research interests and career goals Curriculum vitae (CV) Contact information for three professional references Representative publications
Penn State College of Medicine is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
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 our Benefits 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.
