Assistant Research Professor in Chemistry
Content + Source + Freshness • 14 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Valuable position in a leading institution with opportunities for research but with a significant emphasis on internal application processes.
- Opportunity to work in a leading chemistry department at Penn State
- Access to substantial internal resources and student body
- Requires extensive practical experience in the relevant fields
Pros
- Access to excellent internal resources and facilities.
- Potential for collaboration within a large university.
- Strong benefits, including a tuition discount for employees and dependents.
Cons
- Internal application process limits external candidate access.
- Ambiguity around remote work options.
- Current employees have a significant advantage during recruitment.
Who it's for
Postdoctoral / Early Career • On-site or Hybrid
Good fit
- Experienced candidates familiar with academic procedures
- Those aiming to build a career in chemistry education and research
- Individuals looking for a supportive academic environment with collaboration
Not recommended for
- Candidates seeking to avoid academic environments
- Those without a strong research background
- Individuals not interested in faculty roles
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
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
The laboratory of Stephen Benkovic in the Department of Chemistry at The Pennsylvania State University seeks to fill an Assistant Research Professor position with a highly motivated candidate.
The position requires a Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, or related field and 5 years of postdoctoral experience. The candidate should possess strong hands-on skills in advanced research technologies. This includes but not limited to super-resolution imaging, FRAP, and single particle tracking for studying condensate behavior, as well as proximity labeling tools to identify protein interactions. Experience with enzymology assays, and bioenergetics methods is important for linking condensates to metabolic function. Candidates should be confident in image and data analysis and able to combine cell-based readouts with structural and biophysical approaches (protein modeling, limited proteolysis). Familiarity with cell signaling pathway is desirable. Finally, we value careful experimental design, good data management, and the ability to work across disciplines to move projects forward. The individual should be highly motivated and knowledgeable of relevant literature, be able to lead their own individual projects, write grants, and contribute to collaborative research efforts.
Applications must be submitted electronically and include a CV with a list of publications, a cover letter describing their research interests, and the names of three references. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
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 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.
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.
