Title of Position: Postgraduate associate, exercise immunology
Department and School: Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine
Anticipated Appointment Dates: Fall 2025 to Fall 2026
Email: kent.langston@yale.edu
Website: https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/kent-langston/
Introduction
The Langston Lab is recruiting a highly motivated postgraduate associate. We are a collaborative, inter-disciplinary team interested in defining the cellular and molecular features of exercise-induced inflammatory responses in youth and during aging. Major goals of our current and future projects include elucidating how immune cells sense exercise and regulate its benefits and designing exercise-inspired interventions to combat age-associated inflammation to improve healthspan. Our previous work showed that many of the beneficial effects of exercise, such as enhanced performance, depend on proper control of muscle inflammation, in particular interferon-gamma (Langston et al., 2023, Science Immunology). Such control is mediated by timely accrual of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in skeletal muscle. In an unpublished follow-up study, we uncovered a novel mechanism underpinning the initiation of site-specific inflammatory responses to exercise. Our preliminary data suggests that this mechanism also promotes age-associated inflammation. For more information on the conceptual framework for our projects, please read our recently published perspective article (Langston et al., 2024, Cell Metabolism).
Overview of the Position
Education:
The candidate will benefit from a structured educational program at Yale, including weekly Research in Progress and Grand Rounds organized by the Department of Pathology as well as regular seminars and symposia organized and hosted by Y-Age and other Yale research centers. The position will provide opportunities to present research at national and international scientific meetings, fostering both scientific education and professional growth. After sojourning through the Langston Lab, the candidate will be prepared for an advanced degree program.
Training:
The candidate will assist the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr. Langston, in performing research, contributing to daily laboratory operations, and analyzing data. The candidate will gain experience with mouse models of acute and chronic exercise and multicolor flow cytometry as well as either of the following: a) basic techniques in molecular biology, including cell transfections and transductions, b) bioinformatic analyses of bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data. Training in critical interpretation and communication of scientific data will also be provided.
Mentoring:
Trainees will have frequent formal and informal meetings with Dr. Langston, in addition to regular interactions with colleagues in the lab, Y-Age, and Pathology. Dr. Langston will work with trainees to create a Professional Development Plan tailored to individual needs and long-term career goals.
Location:
The Langston Lab is currently located in Room 142 of the Brady Memorial Library (BML) at 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510. In Spring 2026, the lab will move to a newly renovated space dedicated to Y-Age, located on the second floor of Lauder Hall.
Duration:
Postgraduate appointments are for one year with the possibility of a one-year renewal.
Qualifications
- Minimum of a B.A./B.S. required.
- Candidates must have prior experience (minimum 1 year) working in a research lab and exceptional organizational skills. Willingness to work with mice is required; prior experience working with mice is strongly desired, but not a requirement. Interest in molecular biology and/or bioinformatics is preferred.
Process to Apply
- The deadline to apply to the position is December 1, 2025.
- Attach your CV and a cover letter stating your motivation for pursuing the opportunity, your research interests and experience, and your formal qualifications. The CV should include the contact information of 2-3 referees.
Please contact Dr. Langston at kent.langston@yale.edu, and include “Postgraduate Associate” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled