The Postdoctoral Associate will work in the Coukos Laboratory on research projects to develop next-generation TCR-T cell therapies and analyze their clinical translation.
Job Description:
As a Postdoctoral Associate in TCR-T cell Engineering and Translation, you will be working on a project related to the development of next-generation T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T-cell therapies designed to achieve durable efficacy against solid tumors. The research will focus on engineering T cells with enhanced functionality, persistence, trafficking, and resistance to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment through innovative receptor engineering and synthetic biology approaches.
The position provides the opportunity to develop transformative technologies spanning next-generation vector engineering, advanced viral and non-viral gene delivery systems, synthetic gene circuits, and sophisticated T-cell armoring strategies. Research areas include the design of novel vector architectures for multiplex genetic engineering, regulated and state-dependent transgene expression, cytokine and immune-modulatory payload delivery, genome engineering, and approaches that enhance T-cell fitness, safety, and antitumor activity.
The postdoctoral fellow will also contribute to pioneering in vivo T-cell engineering technologies, including targeted delivery platforms capable of generating therapeutic T cells directly within patients using viral and non-viral vectors, lipid nanoparticles, and other emerging delivery modalities. The successful candidate will develop innovative strategies for targeted gene delivery, precise genetic programming, and manufacturing-compatible engineering approaches that redefine the future of adoptive cell therapy.
Additional opportunities include the discovery, optimization, and functional characterization of naturally occurring and engineered TCRs with enhanced potency, specificity, and safety, enabling the development of personalized and shared-antigen TCR therapies for solid tumors.
Working at the interface of immunology, synthetic biology, gene therapy, and translational medicine, the fellow will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams in vector engineering, genome editing, computational biology, and clinical development. Successful technologies will advance rapidly from concept through preclinical validation toward first-in-human clinical translation within one of the world's leading academic cell therapy programs.
You will be responsible for the following:
- Design, develop and execute preclinical IND enabling studies testing the biological properties of TCR-T candidates in gene therapy platforms and model systems.
- Develop and apply innovative engineering approaches to enhance the efficacy and safety of TCR-T therapy.
- 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