This is a full-time on-site role for a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medicine. The candidate will be responsible for investigating the relationship between visceral adipose tissue and ovarian (and breast) cancer.
The candidate will participate in all of these studies to support the science while also learning our systems and the regulatory pathways linking cancer cell signaling and metabolism with metabolite sensing and cancer progression. Ultimately, with this broad experience, we hope the candidate will take on the primary role of leading a study aimed at investigating how, “Cooperative Cancer Cell-Fat Cell Signaling Crosstalk Drives High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.” Here, the candidate will investigate how the Omentum, the visceral fat surrounding the peritoneum, can promote ovarian cancer progression to a metastatic phenotype. The omentum adipocytes express high levels of HSD11B1 and FABP5. We proposed that the HSD11B1 in the omentum will convert cortisone into cortisol in the tumor microenvironment where it will activate the glucocorticoid receptor. Additionally, the adipocyte secreted extracellular vesicles containing FABP5 will also be concentrated in the tumor microenvironment and taken up by the ovarian cancer cells. This will make them sensitive to omega-6 rich diets. The candidate will investigate how these signaling pathways collaborate to promote ovarian cancer progression and metastasis. This project is also a collaborative effort with a range of scientific colleagues.
As a Postdoctoral Associate in Pharmacology, 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.
- Collect, prepare, and analyze research data. This may 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:
- We welcome applications from all qualified individuals with a Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Cancer Biology or a related field (either completed or nearly completed before start date)
- Strong background in research and date analysis
- Excellent problem-solving ability and analytical thinking skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Able to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. – recently awarded and experience in cell metabolism and animal studies.
- Research experience and a strong interest in understanding molecular biology, cellular biology, cancer biology
- Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in data interpretation and scientific writing.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should email their C.V., a statement of research experience and career goals, contact information for three references (including their phone number and email address) to job2064@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:
This appointment is for 1 year, and may be recommended for renewal.
Starting Date:
Anticipated Start Date is October 1, 2026
Location of Appointment:
The appointment/training will be at the Weill Cornell Medicine state-of-the-art Belfer Research Building, the Blenis’s Lab is in the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center.
Lab and Department Websites:
https://pharmacology.weill.cornell.edu/
Salary:
The starting salary for the Postdoctoral Associate position is $75,812 as outlined in the CBA.
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
- Pharmacology