Postdoctoral Scientist

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Mentorship program

Support for scientific development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in New York, NY seeks an outstanding Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Walther Lab at the Sloan Kettering Institute. The role focuses on lipid metabolism, brain physiology, and neurodegeneration, with cellular and mouse models depending on the project.

Joint mentoring and collaboration are central to the lab's culture. The candidate will contribute to cancer-adjacent projects and neurodegenerative research, preparing manuscripts and presenting at

Qualifications

• PhD in physiology, neurobiology, cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, or closely related discipline.
• Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and rigor.
• Genuine passion for science and integrity.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with cellular and/or mouse model systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute independent research projects focused on biochemistry of lipid metabolism, brain physiology, and neurodegeneration.
• Work with cellular and mouse models to study lipid storage and metabolic alterations in health and disease.
• Contribute to projects related to cancer biology, ALS, Alzheimer's disease, and brain metabolism.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data in meetings and conferences.
• Prepare and contribute to peer‑reviewed manuscripts.
• Collaborate with postdocs, lab technicians, and broader research community.
• Mentor junior lab members.

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Primary Work Address: 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10021The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we're unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.Lab OverviewThe Walther Laboratory, led by HHMI Investigator Dr. Tobias C. Walther at the Sloan Kettering Institute in New York City, studies the biochemistry of cellular lipid metabolism and homeostasis. Research in the lab is focused on understanding the mechanisms of lipid storage and mobilization, with members also investigating the physiology and pathophysiology of lipid metabolism in the context of cancer, neurodegeneration, and brain metabolism. The lab is an inclusive, interdisciplinary, and collaborative team with access to a wide variety of state-of-the-art technologies. For more information, visit https://www.fwlaboratory.org/ or https://www.hhmi.org/scientists/tobias-c-waltherAbout the RoleWe are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Walther Lab at SKI. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and intellectually curious scientist to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of lipid metabolism, brain physiology, and neurodegeneration.The successful candidate will contribute to one of two primary research areas depending on their background and interests: investigating the interface of metabolism and brain health and how metabolic alterations impact normal brain function, or contributing to neurodegeneration and cancer-adjacent projects including research related to ALS, Alzheimer's disease, and brain metabolism. Work will involve cellular and/or mouse models depending on the project. Dr. Walther is deeply committed to mentorship and to supporting postdocs in pursuing their scientific interests and finding their path forward.What We ProvideA competitive compensation package with comprehensive HHMI health and wellness benefits.Dedicated mentorship from Dr. Walther with a genuine commitment to postdoc success and scientific development.Freedom to pursue scientific interests within the scope of the lab's research focus.Opportunity to contribute to peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals.Experience mentoring and teaching junior lab members including graduate students and research technicians.Networking opportunities within an inclusive, interdisciplinary, and collaborative team environment.Potential to attend and present at national and international scientific conferences.What You'll DoDesign and execute independent research projects focused on the biochemistry of lipid metabolism, brain physiology, and neurodegeneration under the guidance of Dr. Walther.Work with cellular models and mouse models to investigate mechanisms of lipid storage, mobilization, and metabolic alterations in health and disease.Contribute to ongoing projects related to cancer biology, ALS, Alzheimer's disease, and brain metabolism.Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data in lab meetings, internal seminars, and scientific conferences.Prepare and contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts and publications.Collaborate actively with other postdocs, lab technicians, and members of the broader research community.Mentor and support junior lab members in their scientific development.What You BringRequired:A PhD in physiology, neurobiology, cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, or a closely related discipline.A strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and rigor.Genuine passion for science and a high-level commitment to integrity and professionalism.Strong organizational skills with excellent follow-up and attention to detail.Outstanding collaboration and communication skills — the ability to work effectively with others in a team science environment is essential.Preferred:Background or research experience in physiology, neurobiology, molecular neuroscience, brain metabolism, ALS, Alzheimer's disease, neurodegeneration, or cell biology.Experience with cellular and/or mouse model systems.Candidates with a physics background are also encouraged to apply.Enthusiasm for mentorship and a collaborative, team-oriented approach to researchPhysical RequirementsRemaining 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 BenefitsOur 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.Hiring Pay Range$70,000.00 - $82,250.00Pay Type:AnnualThe posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity.HHMI is an Equal Opportunity EmployerWe use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.