Postdoctoral Scientist - Walther Lab

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Time off

Wellness programs

Job summary

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute seeks a Postdoctoral Scientist for the Walther Lab at Sloan Kettering Institute in New York City. This role offers a chance to pursue cutting-edge research at the interface of lipid metabolism, brain physiology, and neurodegeneration.

Responsibilities include designing independent projects, using cellular and mouse models, mentoring junior lab members, and contributing to peer‑reviewed publications.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a closely related discipline.
• Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity.
• Genuine passion for science and high level of integrity and professionalism.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute independent research projects focusing on 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 and present experimental data in lab meetings and conferences; prepare peer‑reviewed manuscripts.

Skills

Publication record

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Integrity and professionalism

Education

PhD in physiology, neurobiology, cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, or closely related discipline

Job description

Primary Work Address: 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10021

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discoveryand sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As abiomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports avibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, andprofessionals. Together, we're unlocking the fundamentals ofbiology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

Lab Overview

The Walther Laboratory, led by HHMI Investigator Dr. Tobias C.Walther at the Sloan Kettering Institute in New York City, studiesthe biochemistry of cellular lipid metabolism and homeostasis.Research in the lab is focused on understanding the mechanisms oflipid storage and mobilization, with members also investigating thephysiology and pathophysiology of lipid metabolism in the contextof cancer, neurodegeneration, and brain metabolism. The lab is aninclusive, interdisciplinary, and collaborative team with access toa wide variety of state-of-the-art technologies. For moreinformation, visit https://www.fwlaboratory.org/ orhttps://www.hhmi.org/scientists/tobias-c-walther

About the Role

We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Scientist to join theWalther Lab at SKI. This is an excellent opportunity for amotivated and intellectually curious scientist to contribute tocutting-edge research at the intersection of lipid metabolism,brain physiology, and neurodegeneration.

The successful candidate will contribute to one of two primaryresearch areas depending on their background and interests:investigating the interface of metabolism and brain health and howmetabolic alterations impact normal brain function, or contributingto neurodegeneration and cancer-adjacent projects includingresearch related to ALS, Alzheimer's disease, and brain metabolism.Work will involve cellular and/or mouse models depending on theproject. Dr. Walther is deeply committed to mentorship and tosupporting postdocs in pursuing their scientific interests andfinding their path forward.

What We Provide

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive HHMIhealth and wellness benefits.
• Dedicated mentorship from Dr. Walther with a genuine commitmentto postdoc success and scientific development.
• Freedom to pursue scientific interests within the scope of thelab's research focus.
• Opportunity to contribute to peer-reviewed publications inhigh-impact journals.
• Experience mentoring and teaching junior lab members includinggraduate students and research technicians.
• Networking opportunities within an inclusive,interdisciplinary, and collaborative team environment.
• Potential to attend and present at national and internationalscientific conferences.

What You’ll Do

• Design and execute independent research projects focused on thebiochemistry of lipid metabolism, brain physiology, andneurodegeneration under the guidance of Dr. Walther.
• Work with cellular models and mouse models to investigatemechanisms of lipid storage, mobilization, and metabolicalterations 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 labmeetings, internal seminars, and scientific conferences.
• Prepare and contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts andpublications.
• Collaborate actively with other postdocs, lab technicians, andmembers of the broader research community.
• Mentor and support junior lab members in their scientificdevelopment.

What You Bring

Required:

• A PhD in physiology, neurobiology, cell biology, biochemistry,structural biology, molecular biology, or a closely relateddiscipline.
• A strong publication record demonstrating scientificproductivity and rigor.
• Genuine passion for science and a high-level commitment tointegrity and professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent follow-up andattention to detail.
• Outstanding collaboration and communication skills — theability to work effectively with others in a team scienceenvironment 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 toapply.
• Enthusiasm for mentorship and a collaborative, team-orientedapproach to research

Physical Requirements

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

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essentialduties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests forreasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individualbasis.

Please Note

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

Compensation and Benefits

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

Hiring Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $82,250.00

Pay Type:

Annual

The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of theanticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time ofposting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’squalifications, experience, and internal equity.

HHMI is an Equal OpportunityEmployer

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