The laboratory of Jenae Neiderhiser (Gene-Environment Interplay Lab) within the College of Liberal Arts at the Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar position. The key aim of our research is to understand the how genes and environments work together to influence the development of children from early childhood to adolescence. There is also a specific focus on how the prenatal environment and other early life environmental exposures may influence the healthy development of children into adolescence. Our team takes an interdisciplinary approach integrating across developmental psychology, family process, biological and hormonal mechanisms, and behavioral genetics.

The ideal applicant will have a PhD in developmental or family psychology or a related field, a background that includes significant statistical analytic experience, a record of publications, and an interest in understanding how genes and environments work together to influence child behavior. We are looking for a postdoc interested in conducting research in gene-environment interplay with a particular focus on environmental influences on behavioral and health outcomes in children. The role would be split between project coordinator responsibilities on the Early Growth and Development Study (https://www.egdstudy.org/): Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO: https://www.nih.gov/research-training/environmental-influences-child-health-outcomes-echo-program) study and in pursuing your own research using the data available here and as part of the larger ECHO consortium. Applicants can read more about our ongoing research at http://www.geinterplay.la.psu.edu/ . In addition, successful candidates must either have demonstrated a commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, and diverse campus community, or describe one or more ways they would envision doing so, given the opportunity.

The position is funded for one year, with a possible extension to two years. Salary and benefits follow NSF/NIH guidelines. Applicants should submit an application online, and should include as attachments a CV, several reprints, and a 1–2-page statement of research interests. This statement should describe the candidate`s goals for research and training during a postdoctoral position, including previous experience. Applicants should also arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent separately to jenaemn@psu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.