Postdoctoral Associate in Biochemistry & Biophysics

A postdoctoral position is available in the Reck-Peterson Lab. The Reck-Peterson Lab's research program focuses on the mechanisms of intracellular transport at molecular, cellular, and organismal scales.

As a Postdoctoral Associate, you will be working on a project related to (i) understanding how defects in intracellular transport contribute to neurodegenerative disease, with a focus on LRRK2 in Parkinson’s Disease or (ii) mechanisms of organelle “hitchhiking” in filamentous fungi and their implications for secondary metabolite production or (iii) other projects related to intracellular transport. You will be responsible for the following:

• Conduct the research independently and 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 may include performing cell-based experiments (mammalian cell culture, lentivirus infection, molecular biology). Technical skills include, but are not limited to, quantitative fluorescence microscopy, protein purification and biochemical assays, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, cryo-electron microscopy and tomography.
• Collect, prepare, and analyze research data. This includes keeping a detailed notebook summarizing experiments and recording research data and 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, Biophysics, Neuroscience or related fields
• Experience with cell-based experiments, biochemistry, and structural biology
• 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 and figure preparation using Excel, GraphPad Prism, ImageJ, and Adobe Illustrator

Application Process: 

To apply, please send your current CV and cover letter directly to Dr. Samara Reck-Peterson via email: slr4003@med.cornell.edu. Please include the names and contact information of three references. 

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:

November 2026

Location of Appointment:

1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065

Lab and Department Websites: 

The Reck-Peterson lab website can be found https://reckpetersonlab.org/.

The Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics website can be found here.

Salary: 

Salary starts at $77,000 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.