We are seeking outstanding postdoctoral researchers passionate about improving the health and human rights of forcibly displaced immigrant populations, including refugees and asylum seekers. This position is ideal for scholars with backgrounds in basic, translational, clinical, or population science, as well as data science, statistics, and other quantitative fields, who want to apply their expertise to real‑world human rights challenges.
See our recent work:
1.Psychological stress, cardiovascular disease and somatic pain in asylum seekers: a retrospective cross-sectional study. Lurie, J.M., Pietz, H.L., Hatef, C. et al. Nat. Mental Health 2, 1442–1450 (2024).
2.Reported Methods, Distributions, and Frequencies of Torture Globally:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Milewski A, Weinstein E, Lurie J, et al.: JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(10):e2336629.
The Human Rights Impact Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine conducts cutting‑edge, interdisciplinary research that advances the health and well‑being of displaced individuals in the U.S. and globally. Postdoctoral Associates in our group work at the intersection of global health, human rights, immigration policy, law, community engagement, and data‑driven research to address inequities and inform meaningful change.
Our program collaborates with local, national, and international partners; maintains rich data repositories; and leads projects that integrate clinical research, community engagement, and health systems innovation. Candidates will be evaluated on their potential to contribute to and build upon the Lab’s mission while developing an independent scholarly trajectory. This role involves managing multiple aspects of clinical research, which include: broad community engagement, research participant recruitment and retention, data management (i.e., collection, storage, analysis, sharing and publication), and conforming with study protocols.
Our one-of-a-kind lab has been funded by the National Academy of Medicine, the Foundation for Anesthesia and Research, and Cornell University, and we are currently supported by substantial, long-term R01 funding from the National Institutes of Health. We are looking for exceptional scientists to join our pioneering team.
Weill Cornell Medicine offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, plus subsidized housing in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Under Dr. Kaur’s mentorship, you’ll thrive in a collaborative environment designed to launch the next generation of scientific leaders.
Job Description:
As a Postdoctoral Associate, you will be working on several projects related to forcibly displaced immigrant populations (e.g., refugees and asylum seekers) to advance the health of migrant communities. Applicants with a background in basic science, translational or clinical research, data science, statistics, or other quantitative fields are encouraged. The candidates will be selected from a pool of applicants based on their research’s promise for integrating, synthesizing, and building upon existing disciplinary contributions to global health and human rights research, broadly conceived. The candidates will also be evaluated based on how their research could benefit from and contribute to efforts by the Human Rights Impact Lab to advance the health of forcibly displaced individuals in the US and abroad.
Under the general direction of the Human Rights Impact Lab Directors, this on-site or hybrid position involves program engagement with local, national, and international sites; managing and analyzing data according to the highest quality, ethical, and regulatory standards; provides programmatic and research management, and grant-seeking and grant-writing support for the Human Rights Impact. This role involves managing multiple aspects of clinical research, which include: broad community engagement, research participant recruitment and retention, data management (i.e., collection, storage, analysis, sharing and publication), and conforming with study protocols.
You will be responsible for the following:
Engages with existing data repositories which include data extraction, organization, and management.
- Preprocesses structured and unstructured data.
- Investigated trends and patters in big data.
- Identifies strong data visualization techniques to present research findings to a variety of audiences.
- Participates in clinical research projects that includes on-site and remote data collection and longitudinal follow-up for multi-level health data.
- Develops a pipeline to streamline data flow across the Human Rights Impact Lab cores for clinical research participants.
- Participates in and/or leads programmatic work with local, national, and international partner sites.
- Assists in grant applications for funding opportunities, coordinates and drafts funding proposals and reports.
- Prepares written/print materials such as manuscripts, perspectives, posters, and flyers.
- Engages with donors and donor-requested projects as assigned.
- Leads special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A PhD (or about to obtain one) in, or related fields, MBBS, MD, JD
- Letter of recommendation
Preferred Qualifications:
Problem-solving aptitude required.
- Exceptional attention to detail required.
- Requires excellent ability to independently problem solve.
- Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written). Experience communicating across language and cultural difference.
- Exceptional organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to a new environment and remain flexible as changing needs arise.
- Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite and database applications.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise standards of professionalism, including appearance, presentation and demeanor.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative manner with all departmental faculty and staff, as well as other institutional representatives.
- Knowledge of R, STATA, Python, or any other advanced statistical software (preferred).
- Familiarity with health, global health, or human rights research (preferred).
Application Process:
- Applicants must submit biographical information, including the expected (or actual) date that they will receive their PhD degree. Eligible applicants must have their PhD conferred prior to beginning the position.
- Full CV in PDF format.
- To apply, please send your current CV to: gus2004@med.cornell.edu. Please include the names of three references able to comment on technical laboratory skills, scientific independence, and creativity.
- Applicants being seriously considered for the position will be invited to participate in an interview via electronic conference with the selection committee.
- Please note that non-U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents who are offered the position will be required to provide valid visa and work authorization. This position does not support visa sponsorship.
Commitment to Diversity
Weill Cornell Medicine is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion among our faculty, staff, and students. We seek out individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, and we work to create programs that support both our current employees and our recruitment efforts.
EEO Statement
Weill Cornell Medicine 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.
Appointment Term:
This is an annual, renewable appointment.
Starting Date:
July 1, 2026
Location of Appointment:
Weill Cornell Medicine is a comprehensive academic medical center that's committed to excellence in patient care, scientific discovery, and the education of future physicians in New York City and around the world. Our doctors and scientists-faculty from Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and the Weill Cornell Physician Organization-are engaged in world-class clinical care and cutting-edge research that connect patients to the latest treatment innovations and prevention strategies. Located in the heart of the Upper East Side's scientific corridor, Weill Cornell Medicine's powerful network of collaborators extends to its parent university Cornell University; to Qatar, where an international campus offers a U.S. medical degree; and to programs in Tanzania, Haiti, Brazil, Austria and Turkey. Our medical practices serve communities throughout New York City, and our faculty provide comprehensive care at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan Hospital, and New York-Presbyterian/Queens. At Weill Cornell Medicine, we work together to treat each individual, not just their conditions or illnesses, as we strive to deliver the finest possible care for our patients - the center of everything we do.
Lab and Department Websites:
https://hrilab.weill.cornell.edu/
Salary:
Postdoctoral research associates are provided an annual salary range of $74,692 to $82,192.
Benefits:
A summary of employee benefits can be found on the WCM Human Resources website.
Visa Options:
N/A
Union Membership:
This position is covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Weill Cornell Medicine and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (“UAW”), and its Local Union, Weill Cornell Medicine Postdocs United-UAW Local 4100.
Contact
- Anesthesiology