The Postdoctoral Associate will work in the Coukos Laboratory on research projects to develop next-generation T cell therapies and analyze their clinical translation.
Job Description:
As a Postdoctoral Associate in T cell Engineering and Translation, you will be working on a project related to the development of next-generation tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies engineered with synthetic secreted immune-modulatory modules designed to enhance T-cell function within the tumor microenvironment. These approaches include, but are not limited to, TILs secreting antibodies, cytokines, chemokines, and other programmable biologics that improve tumor recognition, immune recruitment, persistence, and resistance to immunosuppression.
The position offers the opportunity to pioneer innovative engineering platforms for adoptive cell therapy, including the development of novel gene delivery technologies, advanced viral and non-viral vector architectures, synthetic gene circuits, and next-generation genome engineering approaches. The successful candidate will design and implement cutting-edge technologies for multiplex genetic engineering, regulated transgene expression, large-payload delivery, and manufacturing-compatible cell engineering, with the goal of creating transformative T-cell therapies for solid tumors.
Working at the interface of synthetic biology, immunology, and translational medicine, the postdoctoral fellow will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams spanning vector engineering, genome editing, computational biology, translational immunology, and clinical development. Successful innovations are expected to progress rapidly toward preclinical validation and first-in-human clinical translation within an internationally recognized cell therapy program.
You will be responsible for the following:
- Develop and engineer innovative vectors for TIL transduction and transgene regulation.
- Design, develop and perform in vitro and in vivo studies testing the biological properties of engineered TIL candidates in gene therapy platforms and model systems.
- Conduct research independently and collaboratively across functional teams.
- Operate with highest integrity and ethics, conduct all experiments following lab, department, and college policies and procedures.
- Collect and analyze experimental results and perform data management.
- Maintain detailed and accurate experiment record-keeping in a laboratory notebook and in a computer database.
- Prepare scientific abstracts and articles, publish results in research journals, and present findings at conferences.
- Assist in grant writing and the preparation of research reports.
- Support laboratory operations, including training and supervising of laboratory staff, as necessary.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in immunology, molecular/cell biology or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in immunology research with a focus on T cell biology.
- Strong record of scientific excellence and productivity as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
- Ability to work in a highly engaged and collaborative research environment.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to provide at least two letters of recommendation upon request.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong background in cancer biology, cell and/or gene therapy research.
- Hands-on experience with gene engineering technologies and function assay platforms.
- Familiarity with translational oncology mouse models for therapy evaluation.
- Highly motivated with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Passionate about drug discovery and development.
Application Process:
Candidates should submit their applications by sending a cover letter and a CV to the Principal Investigator via email at gec4008@med.cornell.edu.
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:
Although the project is a multi-year mutual commitment, appointment is offered on an annual basis with the possibility of renewal based on performance and mutual interest.
Starting Date:
Anticipated start as soon as possible. Processing time 2–6 months. Please allow time for recruitment and visa processing if applicable.
Location of Appointment:
Weill Cornell Medicine state-of-the-art Belfer Research Building located at 413 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021. The Coukos’s Ludwig Laboratory for Cell Therapy in the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center.
Lab and Department Websites:
Lab: https://www.ludwigcancerresearch.org/location/new-yorkweill-cornell/
Department: https://medicine.weill.cornell.edu/
Salary:
The starting salary for the Postdoctoral Associate position is $75,812 - Salary will be commensurate in full compliance with the Weill Cornell Medicine Postdoctoral Union collective bargaining agreement.
Benefits:
A summary of employee benefits can be found on the WCM Human Resources website.
Visa Options:
Candidates applying for this position could be eligible for a J-1 Exchange visitor visa.
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:
George Coukos, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Immunology in Medicine
The Coukos’s Ludwig Laboratory for Cell Therapy in the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center
Contact
- Medicine