Title of the Position: Postgraduate Associate in Gut Mucosal Immunology
Department and School: Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine Anticipated Appointment Dates: January 2026 – December 2027
Email/Website: liza.konnikova@yale.edu, www.konnikovalab.com
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 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 Konnikova group is directed at studying the role of immune cell and epithelial cell programming in shaping infant health. We are interested in understanding how alterations in intestinal immune or epithelial cells during gestation contribute to the healthy development and/or disease risk after birth. We have established our expertise in single cell technologies using the human intestine throughout human development, as well as ex vivo intestinal organoid models to study immune cell-epithelial cell interactions. We are seeking a motivated, dynamic individual who is interested in translational work applying cellular immunology, organoid culture, and molecular biology approaches to understand fundamental mechanisms governing fetal mucosal development. During this time, the successful applicant will obtain training in clinical sample processing and preservation, primary cell isolation, single cell multi-omics technologies, organoid culture development, and data science methods.
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 term and preterm 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 Dr.
Konnikova and senior postdoctoral fellows. The opportunities will be focused on enhancing the post-graduate’s 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, intestinal organoid culture maintenance, 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 the Departments of Immunobiology/Pediatrics, as well as seminar series through the Human Translational Immunology Program and the Center for Systems & Engineering Immunology.
Mentoring Plan
The successful candidate will receive daily, hands-on mentoring from members of the Konnikova lab. The candidate will meet with their mentor 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. Prior experience with tissue culture and/or bioinformatics would be advantageous but not required. 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. Liza Konnikova. 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.