Cornell University, Microbiology/CALS

Position ID:
Cornell-Microbiology/CALS-POSTDOC [#32302, WDR-00059808]
Position Title: 
Postdoctoral Associate
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America
Subject Area: 
Microbiology / Biochemistry
Appl Deadline:
2026/10/01 23:59:59* (posted 2026/07/10, listed until 2026/10/01)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

Academic Job Description Department of Microbiology Postdoctoral Associate

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 A postdoctoral associate position is available in the laboratory of Heather Feaga at Cornell University for a highly motivated candidate to study the role of ribosome quality control in the model spore-forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The candidate will develop a research project to understand how translation stress impacts cell development. The postdoctoral associate will have the ability to develop an independent research project in any of several areas relevant to this topic, and to explore multiple lines of research in parallel. Most projects employ a combination of bacterial genetics, high throughput genetic screens, biochemistry, ribosome profiling (ribo-seq). The candidate will also have the opportunity to develop a small outreach project through an ongoing collaboration with the Ithaca Sciencenter.

Anticipated Division of Time

Data collection, analysis, and interpretation (70%) The postdoctoral associate will design, execute, and interpret all experiments related to the project in collaboration with other lab members and collaborators.

Writing of scientific papers (10%) The postdoctoral associate is expected to become an expert in the relevant literature and contribute new ideas and insights to advance the project. The postdoctoral associate will work collaboratively to prepare manuscripts for publication.

Supervision (10%) The postdoctoral associate will participate in general lab management, help train graduate and undergraduate students, and assist other lab members when needed.

Communication (5%) The postdoctoral associate will present results at scientific conferences, and through meetings with both internal and external collaborators.

Public Outreach (5%) The Feaga Lab maintains a collaboration with the Ithaca Sciencenter, a hands on science museum. The postdoctoral associate will host science workshops at the Ithaca Sciencenter and will help facilitate participation of first-year graduate students in hosting workshops.

Requirements

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. at time of appointment in biochemistry, molecular microbiology, or a related field and relevant research experience. • We seek someone who is motivated to pursue development of their own future academic research program • The ideal applicant will be experienced in bacterial genetics and molecular biology techniques and have a desire to participate in a collaborative research program with frequent opportunities for mentorship and public outreach. • Experience with bioinformatics or protein structure are highly desirable

Supervision Exercised

The postdoctoral associate may assist in advising graduate and undergraduate students within the lab working on related projects as their expertise allows. There are no supervising responsibilities with this position.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32302).

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring rate for this position is $63,480.

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.

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. 

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes 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 seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage 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 (VEVRRA) 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.

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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
  • Unique applicable skills.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Three references (actual letters acceptable but not required, just names and email addresses help popup)
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://feagalab.weebly.com/
email address
 
Department of Microbiology
102 Wing Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853