Postdoctoral Associate

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

The Postdoctoral Associate in the Laboratory of Integrative Physiology (Selvaraj Lab) at Cornell CALS will conduct independent research at the intersection of cell biology and physiology, focusing on cellular reprogramming, pluripotency, gamete maturation, fertilization, and early embryo development.

You will design experiments, analyze data, mentor undergraduates, and contribute to publications, with a research plan evolving as findings emerge.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in the life sciences with a background in cell and molecular biology.
• Experience or understanding in reproductive biology, cell fate reprogramming and systems physiology is preferred but not required.
• Ability to rapidly learn, critically evaluate, and integrate information across disciplines, while maintaining awareness of both foundational and emerging knowledge.
• Ability to independently design, conduct, troubleshoot, and adapt experiments to address scientific questions.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, including rigorous documentation, scientific writing and publication, and the ability to lead projects independently while working collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Independently advance research projects and contribute intellectually to collaborative studies.
• Design, conduct, analyze, and adapt experiments addressing cell biology and physiology.
• Mentor and train undergraduate researchers and communicate findings through presentations/publications.

Skills

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Mentoring

Critical thinking

Experiment design

Education

Ph.D. in life sciences

Job description

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

The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct independent research in the Laboratory of Integrative Physiology (Selvaraj Lab) addressing fundamental questions at the intersection of cell biology and physiology. Research will focus on mechanisms underlying cellular reprogramming, pluripotency, gamete maturation, fertilization, and early embryo development using cellular and large-animal experimental systems. Related research may include investigation of cellular signaling, gene and protein function, and physiological approaches to improving in vitro fertilization and pregnancy success.

The Postdoctoral Associate will design and conduct experiments, critically analyze and interpret data, and develop or adapt experimental approaches to address emerging scientific questions. The individual will be expected to independently advance research projects, contribute intellectually and experimentally to collaborative studies, and communicate research findings through presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Projects may evolve based on experimental findings, emerging research questions, and the scientific interests and expertise of the individual.

The Postdoctoral Associate will also participate in the broader intellectual activities of the laboratory and will have opportunities to mentor and train undergraduate researchers.

Anticipated Division of Time

80% - Research

Independently conduct research addressing fundamental questions in cell biology and physiology. Design, perform, analyze, and adapt experiments related to the laboratory’s research interests, including cellular reprogramming, pluripotency, gamete maturation, fertilization, early embryo development, signaling, gene discovery, and protein function. Develop and optimize experimental approaches as necessary to address emerging research questions.

15% – Data Analysis and Scientific Communication

Critically analyze and interpret experimental data, maintain rigorous documentation of experimental results, integrate findings with relevant scientific literature, and communicate research findings through scientific presentations, manuscripts, and publications.

5% – Mentoring and Collaborative Activities

Contribute to collaborative research within the laboratory and provide research training and mentorship to undergraduate students as appropriate.

Requirements

Ph.D. in the life sciences with a background in cell and molecular biology.

Experience or understanding in reproductive biology, cell fate reprogramming and systems physiology is preferred but not required.

Ability to rapidly learn, critically evaluate, and integrate information across disciplines, while maintaining awareness of both foundational and emerging knowledge.

Ability to independently design, conduct, troubleshoot, and adapt experiments to address scientific questions.

Strong analytical and communication skills, including rigorous documentation, scientific writing and publication, and the ability to lead projects independently while working collaboratively.

Supervision Exercised

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position. The Postdoctoral Associate will have opportunities to mentor and train undergraduate students but will not have formal supervisory responsibilities.

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.

CALS hiring range for this title is University minimum to $63,480.00.

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

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• 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.

2026-10-07

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.