Title of the Position: Post-Graduate Associate in Epithelial Immune Crosstalk
Department and School: Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine Anticipated Appointment Dates: January 2026 – December 2027
Email/Website: oluwabunmi.olaloye@yale.edu, liza.konnikova@yale.edu
Introduction of School/Department:
The Department of Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine is a global leader with the primary mission of improving the health of children and adolescents through exceptional education, research, and clinical care. The Department’s mission includes leading cutting-edge research and fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and inspiration. The Olaloye/Konnikova Lab is part of the Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, which has an emphasis on improving the health outcomes of premature infants through translational research.
Overview of the Position:
Research in the Olaloye/Konnikova group is directed at studying the role of impaired mucosal immunity in neonatal intestinal diseases. We are interested in understanding how alterations in monocytes and T cells contribute to the development and progression of intestinal diseases in extremely premature infants. Particularly, we have established immune-intestinal organoid models to study the role of immune cells in driving intestinal inflammation in premature infants. We are seeking a motivated, dynamic individual who is interested in translational work applying cell biology, organoid, and immunology approaches to understanding fundamental mechanisms governing the establishment and maintenance of neonatal intestinal health and disease. During this time, the successful applicant will obtain training in clinical data collection, sample processing and preparation, organoid cultures, common laboratory techniques, and immunologic techniques.
Research Activities - The Post-graduate will use a combination of primary cell culture and organoid culture techniques, FACS, and imaging modalities to understand the mechanisms governing epithelial-immune cross-talk. Additionally, the post-graduate will work with a team of physicians and nurses to collect relevant clinical data for a prospective study of premature infants.
Education – The post-graduate will be immersed in a rigorous research environment with opportunities for some clinical exposure. This position will expand the post-graduate associate’s education and skillset in immunology, translational research, data analysis, and written and verbal communication. The post-graduate will have numerous opportunities for co-authorship of abstracts, manuscripts, and will gain exposure to grant writing with direct mentorship from Drs. Konnikova and Olaloye. The opportunities will be focused on enhancing the post-graduates’ experience and serve as preparation for an advanced degree program, including a PhD or MD or MD/PhD.
Training - The post-graduate will receive training in translational research, cell biology techniques including cell culture and molecular biology (ie, PCR, next generation sequencing), and immunobiology techniques (ie, FACS, mass cytometry). The post-graduate will have access to weekly seminars through
Mentoring Plan - The successful candidate will receive daily, hands-on mentoring from members of the Olaloye/Konnikova lab. The candidate will meet with Dr. Olaloye regarding their productivity and interpretation of their data on a weekly basis. Finally, the candidate will be expected to present at lab meetings on a bi-monthly basis.
Location - The Konnikova Lab is currently located on the 4th Floor of the Laboratory for Surgery, Obstetrics, and Gynecology at Yale School of Medicine.
Qualifications: The candidate will be expected to have a B.A./B.S. in the field of biological or chemical sciences. Some lab experience in cellular and molecular biology or immunology is preferred. Candidates should be a team players, self-motivated, organized, responsible, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. For more information on our group, please see our website – www.konnikovalab.com. This postgraduate appointment is a one-year appointment with the possibility of a one-year renewal.
Process to Apply:
Interested applicants should send a brief statement of interest, your work experience, and a resume with contact information for three references to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Bunmi Olaloye (oluwabunmi.olaloye@yale.edu). Deadline to apply is January 31, 2026. The salary will be consistent with Yale guidelines for the position, starting at
$44,000 annually. Information on benefits is available on the Yale Office of Postdoctoral Affairs: https://postdocs.yale.edu/postgrads/being-a-postgrad-at-yale/benefits & https://postdocs.yale.edu/policies-resources/health-benefits.