Postdoctoral Associate

Position Description

The new Westfall laboratory opening in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Cornell University (Ithaca NY) is seeking a creative and highly motivated postdoctoral associate to investigate fundamental immune-stromal cell interactions in the intestine during injury. The Westfall lab works at the intersection of immunology and microbiology to discover new mechanisms of disease tolerance by addressing how cellular networks (epithelial, immune, and stromal) coordinate their functions to bring the intestine back to homeostasis after challenge. The goal of the lab is to understand why the intestine reacts differently than any other mucosal tissue to damage, and what are the cellular mechanisms that determine if the intestine functionally heals or scars (fibrosis). The lab has ample preliminary data showing that an immune-stromal cell axis is central to the repair/damage turning point, yet much remains to be elucidated.

As a brand-new lab opening in January of 2027, this position will give the opportunity to the successful candidate to build a new project in the space of intestinal immune-stromal cell regulation. The lab uses several systems to perturb intestinal homeostasis including parasitic infection, pathogenic bacterial infection, and models of inflammatory bowel disease. The use of transgenic mice with cell-specific gene deletions will be prioritized to understand cellular networks in vivo. However, comparable in vitro cellular systems will be developed from primary cell cultures including, but not limited to, epithelial organoid cultures, primary fibroblast and immune cell cultures. Monitoring of immune cell populations through flow cytometry and confocal imaging will be prioritized while manipulation of the immune system through adoptive transfers, bone marrow chimeras, and Crispr-Cas9 specific deletions will be used. Many of these models will also be developed in gnotobiotic mice: germ free mice which has been reconstituted with specific microbiotas to allow mechanistic insights into the role of the microbiota to be determined.

Responsibilities:

• Conceive project pipelines, design and conduct wet-lab experiments, and analyze data from multiple modalities to support project goals
• Design and breed transgenic mouse lines that address specific cell-based project questions
• Preform enteric parasitic and bacterial infections in BSL1 and BSL2 conditions
• Conduct large immunophenotyping experiments of multiple tissues and run flow cytometry assays
• Generate, stain and analyze histological sections and tissue for immunofluorescent/RNAScope imaging
• Adapt and prototype multi-cellular in vitro primary cell systems to build realistic models of in vivo cellular networks
• Lead first-authored publications, present at major conferences, and help mentor PhD and undergraduate trainees in the lab

Qualifications:

Required:

• PhD in Immunology, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, Cellular and Molecular Biology, or related field
• Understanding of basic immunological techniques such as flow cytometry
• A track record of scientific creativity and productivity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, preprints, conference presentations, awards, etc.
• Excellent communication skills and genuine enthusiasm for wet lab work, working with trainees and inventing new ways to address biological problems
• Comfortable working with both mice animal models and in vitro cell systems

Preferred:

• Background in infectious disease, parasitology and/or inflammatory bowel disease
• Experience working with primary cell cultures including stromal, immune and/or epithelial organoid cultures
• Experience with confocal microscopy and histological analysis
• Background working with sequencing data sets (single cell or bulk)

How to Apply:

Qualified applicants should submit:

1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position

2) a Curriculum Vitae

3) names and contact information for three references.

Materials should be submitted online at: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/33107.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to: cvm-mi-search@cornell.edu

Pay Range:
$63,900 - $74,000 based on experience

Located in Ithaca NY, the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State, Cornell University is a center for discovery, academic leadership and service. We seek exceptional scientists to contribute to our climate of collegiality, academic excellence and diversity, as well as our strong commitment to teaching and mentoring, which enhances our efforts to build and maintain a diverse research community.

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointment to academic positions requires candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment, including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.