Researcher - Pediatrics
PennState • United States of America, College of Medicine,
Posted: February 10, 2026
Job Description
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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
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
Faculty Researcher
Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine – Hershey, PA
A Faculty level Researcher (non-tenure line) position is available in the Spiegelman Laboratory to conduct basic and translational pediatric cancer research focused on RNA biology, RNA-binding proteins, mRNA regulation, signal transduction pathways, and extracellular vesicle biology. The lab investigates how these mechanisms contribute to cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic response, with emphasis on pediatric malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia and neuroblastoma.
Candidates must hold an M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. degree with strong training in molecular biology, RNA biology, cancer biology, or a related field. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent scientific productivity, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Experience in translational research and therapeutic target development is preferred.
The successful candidate will contribute to the development of novel cancer therapeutic strategies and advance the lab’s research mission.
Responsibilities
- Conduct active basic and translational laboratory research to a high standard and in compliance with all institutional and federal regulations.
- Design and execute experiments using relevant in vitro and in vivo cancer models.
- Develop new research ideas, therapeutic approaches, and collaborative projects aligned with the lab’s focus areas.
- Assist the Principal Investigator with grant applications, manuscripts, and other scholarly activities.
- Participate in the teaching, mentoring, and training of students, fellows, and research staff.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
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.
Additional Content
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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
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
Faculty Researcher
Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine – Hershey, PA
A Faculty level Researcher (non-tenure line) position is available in the Spiegelman Laboratory to conduct basic and translational pediatric cancer research focused on RNA biology, RNA-binding proteins, mRNA regulation, signal transduction pathways, and extracellular vesicle biology. The lab investigates how these mechanisms contribute to cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic response, with emphasis on pediatric malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia and neuroblastoma.
Candidates must hold an M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. degree with strong training in molecular biology, RNA biology, cancer biology, or a related field. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent scientific productivity, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Experience in translational research and therapeutic target development is preferred.
The successful candidate will contribute to the development of novel cancer therapeutic strategies and advance the lab’s research mission.
Responsibilities
- Conduct active basic and translational laboratory research to a high standard and in compliance with all institutional and federal regulations.
- Design and execute experiments using relevant in vitro and in vivo cancer models.
- Develop new research ideas, therapeutic approaches, and collaborative projects aligned with the lab’s focus areas.
- Assist the Principal Investigator with grant applications, manuscripts, and other scholarly activities.
- Participate in the teaching, mentoring, and training of students, fellows, and research staff.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
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.