We are seeking exceptional and highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join our team in studying the structure, function, and regulation of tandem pore (K2P) potassium channels. These channels play essential roles in cellular excitability, mechanosensation, and human disease, and our group integrates molecular, biochemical, structural, and electrophysiological approaches to uncover the mechanisms that govern their behavior.
See our recent work:
1. Membrane phospholipids control gating of the mechanosensitive potassium leak channel TREK1.Schmidpeter PAM et al. Nat Commun. 2023 Feb 25;14(1)
2. The cryo-EM structure and physical basis for anesthetic inhibition of the THIK1 K2P channel Riel E.B. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Apr 8;122(14)
The Riegelhaupt lab is located in the Department of Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, our laboratory collaborates closely with world‑class groups in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and the Tri‑Institutional community spanning Weill Cornell, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Rockefeller University. This position offers the opportunity to drive high‑impact research at the forefront of ion channel biology.
Weill Cornell Medicine offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, plus subsidized housing in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Under Dr. Riegelhaupt's mentorship, you’ll thrive in a collaborative environment designed to launch the next generation of scientific leaders.
Job Description:
As a Postdoctoral Associate, you will be working on a project studying the structure, function, and regulation of tandem pore potassium channels. 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:
Qualified candidates will be required to have been granted in PhD in the biomedical sciences. Training and familiarity with basic biochemistry and molecular biological techniques is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- We welcome applications from enthusiastic and motivated individuals with significant training in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Computational Biology, or related fields, with a strong interest in inter-disciplinary molecular biology research applied to human disease.
- Strong background in protein purification, structural biology, or ion channel electrophysiology are desirable
- Familiarity with computationally directed protein design is a plus
- Self-motivated, work independently, and possess excellent communication skills
Application Process:
To apply, please send your current CV to: par9082@med.cornell.edu. Please include the names of three references able to comment on technical laboratory skills, scientific independence, and creativity.
For informal enquiries prior to applying, please do not hesitate to contact me: par9082@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 is an annual appointment. Re-appointment for additional years is contingent on both performance and funding availability.
Starting Date:
April 1, 2026
Location of Appointment:
The laboratory is located in the Department of Anesthesiology at the main Weill Cornell Medicine campus on the upper east side of Manhattan. Our group works closely with laboratories from the departments of Biophysics and Biochemistry at Weill Cornell and participates frequently in Tri-institutional sessions that include labs from both Memorial Sloan Kettering and Rockefeller University.
Lab and Department Websites:
The Riegelhaupt Lab website can be found here.
Salary:
Postdoctoral research associates are provided an annual salary range of $74,692 to $82,192.
Benefits:
A summary of employee benefits is available 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
- Anesthesiology