Postdoctoral Scientist - Walther Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health benefits

Mentorship

Conference attendance

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) seeks a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Walther Lab at Sloan Kettering Institute in New York City. The role focuses on lipid metabolism, brain physiology and neurodegeneration, with projects in ALS, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer-adjacent research.

Mentorship and career development are central to the position. The successful candidate will work with cellular and mouse models, contribute to peer‑reviewed manuscripts, and collaborate across an

Qualifications

• PhD required in physiology, neurobiology, cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, or closely related discipline.
• Strong publication record demonstrating research productivity.
• Excellent collaboration and communication abilities; mentorship valued.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute independent research on lipid metabolism, brain physiology, and neurodegeneration.
• Use cellular and mouse models to study mechanisms of lipid storage and metabolism.
• Contribute to cancer biology, ALS, Alzheimer's disease, and brain metabolism projects.
• Analyze and present data in meetings and conferences; contribute to manuscripts.

Skills

Publication record

Collaboration

Communication skills

Mentorship

Team science

Education

PhD in physiology/neurobiology/biochemistry/molecular biology

Job description

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

The 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 Overview

The 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-walther

About the Role

We 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 Provide

• A 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 Do

• Design 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 Bring

Required:

• 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.
• Enthusiasm for mentorship and a collaborative, team‑oriented approach to research.

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 research.

Physical Requirements

Remaining 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.

Compensation and Benefits

Our 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

Hiring Pay Range $70,000.00 - $82,250.00 Pay Type: Annual

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is an independent, ever‑evolving philanthropy that supports basic biomedical scientists and educators with the potential for transformative impact. We make long‑term investments in people, not just projects, because we believe in the power of individuals to make breakthroughs over time.

Why HHMI

To move science forward we need a diverse collection of talents, expertise, and backgrounds in scientific research and science education, as well as communications, finance, human resources, information technology, investments, law, and operations. At HHMI, we encourage collaborative and results‑driven working styles and offer an adaptable environment where employees can do their best work. What makes us strong is the diversity of our perspectives. We work to promote a culture of inclusion in our work environments and across the greater scientific community. To find more information about us and the steps we're taking to make HHMI a more inclusive organization, visit our About Us page.

Contact us at [e-mail] if you require an accommodation related to completing the job application. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Applicants have rights under federal employment laws. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please review these posters: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Know Your Rights, and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).