Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Alenghat lab

Cincinnati Children's Office of Academic Affairs and Career Development; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist for the Alenghat lab in Immunobiology. The position focuses on epigenetics, host-microbe interactions, and intestinal biology.

PhD/MD or equivalent is required, with experience in molecular biology, mouse handling, and mucosal immunology preferred. We study how microbiota influence mucosal and metabolic homeostasis and related diseases.

Qualifications

• PhD/MD or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Develop the skills to become an independent scientist through critical thinking and project planning.
• Design, execute, and document laboratory experiments and analyze data for decisions affecting future research directions.
• Improve methods and assess novel techniques; ensure protocol and assay accuracy with quality checks.
• Discuss insights with faculty and provide recommendations and analysis.
• Present research at meetings and seminars; develop skills to critically review data.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, abstracts, and grants.
• Increase responsibilities with mentorship of staff and fiscal administration.
• Maintain currency in the field through literature, seminars, and continuing education.
• Comply with Cincinnati Children's training and institutional policies; perform other duties as assigned.

Education

PhD/MD or equivalent

Job description

Primary Location Location S

Department Immunobiology

Shift Day (United States of America)

Schedule Full time

Weekly Hours 40

FTE 1

Employee Status Regular

The Alenghat lab has an opening for a highly motivated, creative postdoctoral scientist with an interest in epigenetics, host-microbe interactions, and the intestine. We are studying interactions with the microbiota and molecular pathways that regulate how intestinal microbes impact mucosal and metabolic homeostasis, and chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. Recent Ph.D. candidates who are curious and passionate about scientific discovery and have expertise in molecular biology, mouse handling, and intestinal physiology/mucosal immunology are encouraged to apply. Experience with bioinformatics and/or gnotobiotics is also desirable.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop the skills and knowledge (critical thinking and analysis of data, devising specific aims, long-term project planning and experimental design) to become an independent scientist
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments, and analyze data, which may affect decisions regarding future patient care.
• Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques. protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Implement this knowledge in the Division/Department. Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment.
• Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis.
• Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and meetings. Develop skills to critically review and discuss data being presented.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants.
• Progressively increasing responsibilities with mentorship of research staff and fiscal administration
• Maintain currency in field through continuing education, literature, and seminars. Be an active participant in the process through intellectual discussions with PI and other faculty, trainees and research staff. Solicit feedback on career trajectory from PI, mentoring committee and others who can provide coaching and insight.
• Attend required Cincinnati Children's training sessions and ensure regulatory compliance with all institutional (i.e. Infection Control, ORCRA and others as applicable) policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required

• PhD/MD or equivalent

About Us

At Cincinnati Children's, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children's.

Cincinnati Children's Is

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as atop 10 best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years
• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH)Funding
• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025)
• One of the nation'sAmerica’s Most Innovative Companiesas noted by Fortune
• Consistently certified as great place to work
• A Leading Disability Employeras noted by theNational Organization on Disability
• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by theAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

We Embrace Innovation—Together. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.

Comprehensive Job Description Provided Upon Request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability