A postdoctoral position is available in the Dittman lab. The Dittman Lab’s research program focuses on in molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission. Proper function of the nervous system requires exquisite control over the exocytosis and retrieval of synaptic vesicles. To explore the question of understanding how this process works, the lab studies several critical proteins that control synaptic vesicle fusion and endocytosis in the model organism C. elegans using optical, genetic, biochemical, and behavioral approaches.
As a Postdoctoral Associate, you will be working on a project related to understand how the SNARE chaperone UNC-13/Munc13-1 controls the docking, priming, and fusion of synaptic vesicles. These studies will also test hypotheses for how modulatory signaling boosts synaptic strength via UNC-13. You will be responsible for the following:
- Conduct the research independently and/or collaboratively with colleagues to ensure all experiments are appropriately conducted following Lab, Department, and College policies and procedures.
- Designing, organizing, and carrying out experiments using established protocols, and sometimes adapting to and designing new protocols. This will include performing genetics, behavioral, and imaging experiments in C. elegans.
- Technical skills include, but are not limited to quantitative fluorescence, Western Blots, RT-PCR, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, C. elegans behavioral assays.
- Collect, prepare, and analyze research data. This will include keeping a detailed notebook summarizing experiments and recording research data and/or maintaining a computer database of the research data.
- Tabulate data for presentations and use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data.
- Participate in abstract and article preparation with the Principal Investigator, publish results in research journals, and present findings at conferences.
- Assist the Principal Investigator in applying for fellowship, grant, and scholarship support, as requested.
- Assume general responsibility for scientific operations of the laboratory, including training and supervising interns, students, and other laboratory personnel, as necessary.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Recent PhD, in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Neurobiology, or related backgrounds
- Experience with molecular biology, designing protein mutations, and in vitro or cell-based experiments
- Demonstrated ability to perform research independently and within a team
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Excellent quantitative skills are required
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with data analysis using Excel, GraphPad Prism, and ImageJ preferred
Application Process:
To apply, please send your current CV and cover letter directly to: Dr. Jeremy Dittman via email: jed2019@med.cornell.edu. Please include the names of three references able to comment on technical laboratory skills, scientific independence, and creativity.
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:
Initial appointment term is for 1 year; eligibility for annual reappointment is contingent on both performance and funding availability.
Starting Date:
January 2027
Location of Appointment:
1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
Lab and Department Websites:
The Dittman lab website can be found here.
The Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics website can be found here.
Salary:
Salary starts at $75,812 per annum with potential for adjustment based on the Postdoc Union’s 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 and the H-1B temporary worker 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
- Biochemistry & Biophysics