Position Summary
The postdoctoral fellow will develop and lead mechanistic research investigating how nutrition and intestinal dysbiosis influence enterococcal translocation and its immunoregulatory consequences. A central focus will be to define how these processes alter myeloid cell function and fitness in the intestine and distal organs, and how diet and other nutritional perturbations modify this relationship. The fellow will work under the joint mentorship of Dr. Juan R. Cubillos-Ruiz and Dr. Diana K. Morales within a collaborative research environment.
Research Responsibilities
Develop research questions, formulate hypotheses, and design and execute experiments addressing the relationships among nutritional exposures, dysbiosis, enterococcal translocation, and tissue immune responses. Establish project objectives and experimental priorities with both mentors, critically evaluate findings, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and refine research directions as evidence emerges.
Investigate the mechanisms through which enterococcal translocation affects intestinal and hepatic macrophage function and fitness. Evaluate how dietary interventions and other nutritional perturbations influence these processes and their broader immunoregulatory effects. Select and implement appropriate experimental models and analytical approaches in consultation with the mentors and relevant collaborators.
Maintain complete and accurate experimental records, apply appropriate controls and statistical analyses, and ensure reproducibility and responsible data management. Conduct research in accordance with applicable institutional training requirements, safety procedures, and approved research protocols.
Scientific Communication and Professional Development
Present research progress at laboratory meetings and scientific forums; prepare manuscripts, figures, abstracts, and progress reports; and contribute scientific content to collaborative grant applications. Develop competitive postdoctoral fellowship applications with guidance from both mentors and pursue training that supports increasing scientific independence. Participate actively in laboratory discussions, share relevant expertise, and collaborate constructively with laboratory members and research partners.
Minimum Qualifications:
• A PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or related discipline.
• Strong research experience in immunology and microbiology, with particular interest or expertise in immunometabolism, nutrient signaling, or metabolic regulation of microbial or immune cell function.
• Experience with dietary interventions and murine models of infection, inflammation, cancer, or immune-related disease.
• Expertise in multicolor flow cytometry, immune cell isolation, primary cell culture, and functional immune assays.
• Experience with molecular and biochemical techniques, such as quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, ELISA, and related approaches.
• Familiarity with transcriptomic, single-cell, or high-dimensional immune-profiling analyses is desirable.
• Excellent organizational, communication, scientific writing, and collaborative skills.
• A high level of motivation, intellectual curiosity, creativity, and commitment to rigorous and reproducible research.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience investigating immune cell biology, dietary or lipid-mediated immune regulation, fatty acid metabolism, tumor immunology, microbiology, and/or translational human specimens would be particularly relevant.
Application Process:
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a brief statement describing previous research accomplishments and future interests, and contact information for three professional 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:
Term is for 1 year, with the possibility for reappointment
Starting Date:
November 1, 2026
Location of Appointment:
Weill Cornell Medicine
1300 York Avenue
New York, New York 10065
Contact Information:
Dr. Juan Cubillos-Ruiz – Dept of OBGYN
Lab and Department Websites:
https://www.cubillosruizlab.org/
Salary:
$75,812
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 Loc
Contact
- Obstetrics and Gynecology