Staff & Academic Opportunities

Position Summary

The Senior Research Associate will play a central role in advancing discovery and preclinical development programs through deep expertise in biological, biochemical, and immunological methods, small‑animal studies, and tissue‑based assays. Hands‑on experience in gene therapy platforms is preferred, specifically for adeno‑associated virus (AAV) and adenoviral vector technologies. The ideal candidate combines scientific rigor, technical excellence, and the ability to lead complex experimental programs in a collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute biological, biochemical, and immunological assays, including ELISA, Western blotting, cell‑based functional assays, qPCR and ddPCR.
• Lead in vivo studies involving small animal handling, dosing (including viral vector administration), sample collection, necropsy, and tissue harvesting in compliance with IACUC and institutional guidelines.
• Develop, produce, and characterize gene therapy vectors, with emphasis on AAV and adenovirus platforms.
• Perform tissue‑based analyses, including histology, immunohistochemistry, ex vivo assays, and molecular profiling to assess vector biodistribution, expression, and pharmacodynamic effects.
• Establish and validate new experimental methods supporting mechanistic studies, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic evaluation across gene therapy.
• Analyze, interpret, and present data to cross‑functional teams, contributing to scientific strategy and program decision‑making.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates, providing technical guidance and fostering scientific growth.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with laboratory safety, animal welfare, and quality standards.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Gene Therapy, or a related field, with 3–7+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in biological, biochemical, and immunological techniques, supported by a strong publication or project track record.
• Hands‑on experience with AAV and adenoviral vector design, production, purification, and characterization is preferred.
• Proficiency in small animal handling, including viral vector dosing routes, surgical or procedural techniques, and tissue collection.
• Experience with tissue‑based assays and downstream analytical methods to evaluate gene expression, immune responses, and therapeutic outcomes.
• Strong data analysis skills, including statistical interpretation and familiarity with relevant software tools.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and deliver high‑quality results.

Preferred Experience

• Background in gene therapy applications such as rare disease, CNS delivery, immuno‑oncology, or regenerative medicine.
• Familiarity with GLP or other regulated environments is preferred.
• Experience supervising or mentoring laboratory staff.

To apply: email your cover letter and CV to geneticmedicine@med.cornell.edu; including “Senior Research Associate” in the subject line.

The Laboratory of Ronald G. Crystal, MD, at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City is recruiting postdoctoral scientists for projects related to gene therapy. The Department conducts a broad range of gene therapy projects from the bench to the clinic including production of GMP vectors for clinical trials. Projects include proof-of-concept models for development of new therapeutic strategies, pre-clinical data generation for regulatory filings, and clinical trial data acquisition and analysis. Projects related to GMP vector production are also available. Current pre-clinical and clinical gene therapy targets include the use of AAV- or adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to the CNS or systemic circulation for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and other tauopathies, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Friedreich’s ataxia, eosinophilic esophagitis, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 deficiency, oxidative stress-related diseases, vaccines to treat addiction, and enhancement of reconstructive plastic and orthopedic surgery. In addition, the lab is actively developing next-generation gene therapy tools and methods of analysis including gene editing, improved gene expression cassettes, gene expression control systems, genome-wide analysis to evaluate on- and off-target vector effects, and positron-emission tomography to track the fate of gene therapy vectors after delivery. We are looking for post-doctoral fellows with energy and new ideas who can take advantage of our extensive infrastructure to advance the field of gene therapy. Candidates must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD or equivalent) in a field related to gene therapy. 

To apply: email your cover letter and CV to geneticmedicine@med.cornell.edu; including “Gene Therapy Postdoc” in the subject line. Candidates are not required to have experience in gene therapy, but should demonstrate productivity through high quality, first author publications in a related field. Weill Cornell Medicine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and underrepresented applicants are especially encouraged to apply.