Join Us

We currently have several openings for new lab members at various levels. We typically expect lab members to have strong programming skills, some knowledge of machine learning techniques, and an interest in gene regulation. Contact Shaun at mahony@psu.edu if you’d like to join the lab in any capacity.

Postdoctoral Researchers:

We are currently seeking Postdoctoral Scholars to lead projects focused on applying deep neural networks to understand gene regulatory systems. Available postdoctoral research projects are funded by NSF and NIH awards. One available project will develop neural network approaches that can interpret transcription factor binding determinants by integrative analysis across many sources of regulatory genomic data (incl. ChIP-exo, ChIP-seq, etc.). We will apply these techniques in collaborative projects to understand regulatory dynamics in cell differentiation systems. Another available project focuses on developing domain-adaptive neural networks that can predict and interpret transcription factor binding patterns across species and cell types. 

Prior experience developing neural network applications and/or developing regulatory genomics analysis methods is preferred, but applications are also encouraged from individuals who wish to develop expertise in these domains. A Ph.D. in a relevant field is required. Interested individuals should upload their curriculum vitae, contact details for three scientific/professional references, and a personal statement of background and interests at Penn State’s job application site.

Research Technologists:

We are eager to hear from Baccalaureate or Masters degree graduates who are interested in research-oriented positions. Full-time Research Technologist positions are available for those seeking to gain research experience in computational biology and/or wet-lab research projects. Contact Shaun at mahony@psu.edu to ask about currently available positions.

Graduate Students:

If you are already at Penn State, contact Shaun directly to ask about rotations. If you are not yet at Penn State, you need to be accepted to a Penn State graduate program before joining a lab. Our lab is affiliated with the Penn State graduate program in Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular Biology (https://science.psu.edu/bmb/graduate/apply), the Huck Institute’s graduate program in Bioinformatics & Genomics (https://www.huck.psu.edu/graduate-programs/bioinformatics-and-genomics) and the Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Biosciences graduate program (https://www.huck.psu.edu/graduate-programs/molecular-cellular-and-integrative-biosciences). Current students should also note that we’re members of NIH-sponsored T32 training programs in Computation, Bioinformatics, and Statistics (CBIOS) and Eukaryotic Gene Regulation (EGR). Talk to Shaun about developing your application to these funding opportunities.

Undergraduate Research:

We enthusiastically encourage undergraduate research in our lab. Freshmen, sophomores or juniors are encouraged to apply through the BMB 496 application process.

We also participate in the WISER (Women in Science and Engineering Research), MURE (Minority Undergraduate Research Experience), and FURP (First-year Undergraduate Research Program) undergraduate research programs. These programs provide funded internships for some undergraduate researchers. See the PA Space Grant website for eligibility and application details.