Research Scientist – Fungal natural product chemist
Quick Summary
Research (approximately 80% effort). Support the collaborative research environment and provide guidance on technical and operational aspects of research. Develop, design,
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 with expertise in natural product chemistry. 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.
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: https://reckpetersonlab.org/
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.
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.
Responsibilities
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PhD in the chemical, biological, biomedical, or biochemical sciences, or an MD degree.
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More than five years of independent research experience after earning a PhD (minimum of four years required).
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A broad range of scientific experience and a strong publication record.
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Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics and analysis.
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Secondary metabolism: methods to extract metabolites from tissues and analyze natural products, i.e. secondary metabolites, including characterizing unknown compounds.
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Expertise in mass spectrometry.
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Experience with fungal secondary metabolites and fungal biology is strongly preferred.
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Demonstrated expertise in scientific methods, tools, and technologies, and the ability to understand and apply new concepts, technologies, and methods to evolving research needs.
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Ability to critically review complex information to identify insights and improvements.
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Ability to write, prepare, and present reports, manuscripts, and findings to diverse audiences, including at scientific meetings and conferences.
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Excels both as an independent thinker and as a collaborative team member, with the ability to work independently.
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A strong desire to mentor and teach trainees of all levels.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
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Requirements
~1 min readRemaining 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.
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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What We Offer
~1 min readOur 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
$93,920.00 - $117,400.00Pay Type:
AnnualThe posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
Location & Eligibility
Listing Details
- First seen
- October 3, 2026
- Last seen
- October 3, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 51%
- Scored at
- October 3, 2026
Signal breakdown
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