Primary Work Address: 518 Clark Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

The Johnson lab at our Cornell University Ithaca, NY location is seeking to welcome a Postdoctoral Research Associate to the group who specializes in bioinformatics and computational biology with experience analyzing microbiome sequencing datasets.  This researcher would work across multiple projects that aim to understand the precise mechanisms that define how infant nutrition shapes the development of the gut microbiome.  Main responsibilities would include processing, analyzing, and interpreting sequencing data from infant gut microbiome samples, data organization, manuscript preparation and the potential to follow up on observations in research models depending on the interest of the individual. Beneficial gut bacteria contribute to the optimal development of infant immunity and digestion. These bacteria rely on nutrients in human milk to survive in the human gut and can produce health-promoting chemical signals from these dietary inputs. Liz Johnson wants to know which specific nutrients promote the development of the infant gut microbiome and how the microbial transformation of dietary inputs impacts infant health. This information will help caregivers make more informed decisions about what to feed their babies during a critical window to support lifelong microbiome-dependent health. For more information about the Johnson lab, please visit https://www.johnsonlab.nutrition.cornell.edu/

Application instructions: Please include a cover letter, CV and a letter of reference.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.

• Ability to interact with a strong community of interdisciplinary scientists through the Cornell Microbiome Supergroup.

• Support for career goals through conference travel and workshops.

• Opportunity to work in a diverse and encouraging research environment.

What you’ll do:

• Analysis of large scale metagenomic sequencing datasets and targeted sequencing libraries.

• Lead the lab in data organization and establishment of research pipelines.

• Collaborate with other lab members regarding experimental design and execution.

• Participate in research collaborations that center around microbiome analysis.

What you bring:

• A PhD in a biologically relevant field with dissertation that included a focus on analyzing high-throughput sequencing datasets.

• Experience with microbiome data analysis including shotgun metagenomic and 16S rRNA gene sequencing datasets.

• Strong initiative, self-motivation, and capacity for creative problem solving.

• Strong computational and statistical training.

• Proficiency in one or more additional programming languages (e.g., Python).

• Experience with techniques in molecular biology connected with high-throughput sequencing library preparation.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$70,000.00 (minimum) - $80,500.00 (midpoint) - $91,000.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer