Research Scientist - Fungal Natural Products

The laboratory of Dr. Samara Reck-Peterson at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, NY is looking for an accomplished Research Scientist with expertise in fungal natural products along with experience in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and data processing for targeted and non-targeted approaches. The Reck-Peterson Lab studies the mechanisms of intracellular transport at molecular, cellular, and organismal scales. Our research addresses fundamental questions in cell biology with direct relevance to human health and disease.

For application submission: Please submit your CV, a cover letter describing your research experience and why you are interested in this position, and contact information for three references.

We use a wide range of approaches: protein biochemistry and in vitro reconstitution, single-molecule biophysics, proteomics and genomics, metabolomics, fungal genetics, evolutionary analysis, mammalian cell culture, and state-of-the-art live-cell imaging. Through collaborations, we use cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to pursue structural studies of the transport machinery. For more information about Dr. Samara Reck-Peterson and the lab, please visit:

This role will contribute to the Reck-Peterson lab’s research program on fungal biology and secondary metabolite production. The lab discovered that peroxisomes in filamentous fungi move by “hitchhiking” on early endosomes; through a genetic screen we identified a putative protein linker between the two organelles and found that organelle dynamics play a role in the production of secondary metabolites. Current efforts are aimed at understanding the cell biology of secondary metabolite production.

This is one of two high-ranking, non-Investigator roles within the lab. Ideal candidates will be confident and comfortable in a leadership role, have a strong desire to serve as a trusted resource for other members of the lab, and contribute to the lab’s culture of doing collaborative science.

What we provide:

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

• A collaborative, diverse, and supportive research environment.

• Access to cutting-edge facilities and core resources, including collaborative access to cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography.

• Flexible scheduling and mentorship tailored to your next career stage.

What you’ll do:

• Research (approximately 80% effort). Support the collaborative research environment and provide guidance on technical and operational aspects of research.

• Develop, design, and implement research projects, and coordinate specialized and novel research functions.

• Design and execute mass spectrometry-based metabolomics experiments using targeted and non-targeted approaches; isolate, analyze, and characterize natural products, including unknown compounds.

• Identify methodological problems in research protocols and develop and implement modifications to optimize experimental results.

• Develop innovative techniques and data analysis pipelines required to meet research goals, and use software applications to assemble, manipulate, format, and perform statistical analyses of complex data and to mine large metabolomic datasets.

• Conduct literature reviews to determine the most suitable research methods, and routinely review research activities to determine where new information, methods, or collaborations could positively impact projects.

• Review available technology and assist in bringing appropriate new technology into the laboratory; may prepare specifications for equipment and supplies needed to support research.

• Prepare reports for presentation at scientific meetings and manuscripts for publication; write and edit manuscripts, fellowship applications, and portions of grants.

• Lab operations and mentoring (approximately 20% effort). Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, Research Associates, and other staff, and train lab members on specialized research methods such as fungal biology and metabolomics.

• Configure, operate, and maintain specialized equipment, and train others in its use as necessary.

• Serve as a senior member of the lab, acting as a resource for both students and staff on a variety of issues, along with other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

• Hold sole responsibility for your own research project with shared responsibility for other research projects and/or project teams, including projects performed in collaboration with other laboratories.

• Contribute to writing both manuscripts and grants.

What you bring:

• PhD in the chemical, biological, biomedical, or biochemical sciences, or an MD degree.

• More than five years of independent research experience after earning a PhD (minimum of four years required).

• A broad range of scientific experience and a strong publication record.

• Expertise in secondary metabolism, including methods to isolate and analyze natural products and to characterize unknown compounds. Expertise in mass spectrometry.

• Experience with fungal secondary metabolites and fungal biology is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated expertise in scientific methods, tools, and technologies, and the ability to understand and apply new concepts, technologies, and methods to evolving research needs.

• Ability to critically review complex information to identify insights and improvements.

• Ability to write, prepare, and present reports, manuscripts, and findings to diverse audiences, including at scientific meetings and conferences.

• Excels both as an independent thinker and as a collaborative team member, with the ability to work independently.

• A strong desire to mentor and teach trainees of all levels.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.

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). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

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.

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