Postdoctoral Associate

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; City of Geneva (NY); On-site; USD 62,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to advance collaborative research on precision fermentation, alternative protein, and biomanufacturing. The role involves independent lab work, manuscript preparation, and mentoring students in a fast‑paced, inclusive environment.

Ideal candidates have a Ph.D. in a related field, strong publication records, and the ability to work across diverse disciplines. A valid NY driver’s license may be required for field activities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in bioengineering, chemical engineering, molecular biology or related field.
• GPA 3.7 or higher in a competitive U.S. program or equivalent.
• Strong English language proficiency.
• Publications and conference presentations in relevant areas.
• Ability to conduct independent research in a collaborative environment.
• Active work authorization in the U.S. at application time.
• Valid NY State driver’s license and ability to drive for university business.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent lab work (40%).
• Write manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publications (40%).
• Train students in the lab (15%).
• Support grant writing (5%).

Skills

Strong English

Publications

Oral communication

Independent research

Collaborative work

US work authorization

NY driver license

Education

Ph.D. in bioengineering/chemical engineering/molecular biology or related field

Tools

LC analysis

GC analysis

Bioreactor operation

Statistical analysis

Job description

Department of Food Science at Cornell AgriTech

Postdoctoral Associate

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Position Function

Dr. Ke Wang’s research group in the Department of Food Science at Cornell AgriTech, Cornell University is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join exciting collaborative research projects as a Postdoctoral Associate, to start in Fall 2026/Spring 2027. Candidates with research interests and training background in bioengineering, molecular biology, metabolic engineering, chemical engineering, and other related fields are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative team, on research projects focused on precision fermentation, alternative protein, biomanufacturing and other emerging topics that shape the future of biotechnology and circular bioeconomy. The relevant research techniques include aseptic cell cultivation, bioreactor operation, feedstock pretreatment and characterization, analytical measurements by LC and GC; experimental design, statistical analysis, bioprocess simulation through kinetic modeling. Additional training in genetic engineering and molecular biology is a surplus. The position is also expected to write manuscripts for publications, present research findings in conferences, and perform in a fast-paced, creative, inclusive and team-oriented environment. Experience with funding acquisition is preferred.

This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Geneva, NY.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Conducting independent lab work (40%)
• Writing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications (40%)
• Training students in the lab (15%)
• Supporting grant writing (5%)

Requirements

• (1) Ph.D. degree in bioengineering, chemical engineering, molecular biology or similar fields.
• (2) Strong academic record: GPA no less than 3.7 (out of 4.0) for graduate studies in a competitive U.S. program or an equivalent program.
• (3) Strong language proficiency in English.
• (4) Demonstrated research experience in relevant areas with strong publication records in peer-reviewed journals and oral communication skills through conference presentations.
• (5) Ability to conduct independent research in a collaborative environment.
• (6) Have active work authorization upon application.
• (7) Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NY State driver's license and be cleared to cleared to drive for university business. The successful candidate will be expected to drive as a part of this position and register with Agile/Fleet Commander (Does not need to be a Commercial Driver’s License).

Supervision Exercised

The position will report directly to Dr. Ke Wang and provide support to the current lab in maintaining a safe and inclusive environment, including supporting lab EHS trainings and equipment management. The position is also expected to advise and provide necessary lab training to graduate and undergraduate students. This oversight includes assistance with lab safety standards and protocols, experimental design, execution, and interpretation of results. There are no supervisory responsibilities with this position.

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointments to academic positions require candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring rate for this position is $63,480.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land‑grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state‑wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life‑changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay Range

$62,232.00 - $88,745.00

Pay Ranges

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

Cornellwelcomes 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.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-09-22

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far‑flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.