Postdoctoral Fellow-MSH-30030-292

Salary: $74,692

Department: Microbiology

Physical work location: 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10029

Name PI or Supervisor: Gustavo Palacios, PhD

Web link to Lab: https://palacioslab.com/

Web link to Department: https://icahn.mssm.edu/about/departments/microbiology

Administrative Contact: Molly Deroy, molly.deroy@mssm.edu

Details of Research Project: 

The Palacios Laboratory is recruiting multiple motivated Postdoctoral Fellows to join a dynamic, collaborative research team working across complementary programs in emerging-virus research, including DOORs, VITAL, and REVISE within EVOLVE. Together, these efforts seek to identify and validate critical virus-host dependencies, engineer safer and more durable immune protection, and develop precision strategies that create virus-resistant cellular states while preserving normal host biology. Projects integrate experimental virology, functional genomics, receptor and antigen engineering, immunology, multi-omics, and in vivo validation to advance broadly applicable countermeasures against persistent, respiratory, and emerging viral threats. Individual project assignments will be matched to each fellow's expertise and program needs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Experimental Design & Implementation
2. Data Analysis & Integration
3. Project Management & Collaboration
4. Publication & Presentation

Perform virological and immunological assays under BSL-2 and BSL-3 conditions, including cell-based, ex vivo, organoid, and in vivo studies with viruses relevant to pandemic preparedness, persistent infection, and emerging disease.

Generate, analyze, and integrate multi-omics, functional-genomics, immunological, and virological datasets to connect molecular mechanisms with infection, immune protection, and host-cell fitness.

Collaborate with computational biology teams to prioritize host dependencies, receptor variants, and immunogen designs and to support AI/ML-guided analyses.Work closely with teams at ISMMS and partnering institutions, coordinating experiments, sharing data, and aligning research efforts. Participate in cross-functional meetings to report progress, address challenges, and contribute to strategy discussions.

Prepare and publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals.

Present research at conferences and program review meetings.

Technical Duties:

• Mammalian cell culture and viral propagation
• Viral entry, replication, neutralization, and challenge assays
• CRISPR-based gene editing and receptor/function validation
• Flow cytometry, CyTOF, and cellular immune profiling
• ELISA, ELISPOT, Western blotting, and qPCR
• Multi-omics sample preparation and data interpretation
• Mouse or other relevant preclinical model work

Educational and other Requirements for the position: 

PhD in Virology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.

• Expertise in virology, with hands-on experience in viral culture, cell-based assays, and host-pathogen interaction studies.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: functional genomics or gene editing; vaccine or antigen engineering; cellular immunology; multi-omics; organoid systems; or animal models.
• Familiarity with BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory practices.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

Experience Required: MD or PhD

Goals/Outcomes of the Research Project: 

Strength through Unity and Inclusion

The Mount Sinai Health System is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute to excellence. We share a common dedication to delivering outstanding patient care. When you join us, you become part of Mount Sinai’s unparalleled legacy of achievement, education, and innovation as we work together to transform healthcare. We encourage all team members to actively participate in creating a culture that ensures fair access to opportunities, promotes inclusive practices, and supports the success of every individual.

At Mount Sinai, our leaders are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We strive to create an environment where collaboration, fairness, and continuous learning drive positive change, improving the well-being of our staff, patients, and organization. Our leaders are expected to challenge outdated practices, promote a culture of respect, and work toward meaningful improvements that enhance patient care and workplace experiences. We are dedicated to building a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and advance professionally. Explore this opportunity and be part of the next chapter in our history.

About the Mount Sinai Health System:

Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with more than 48,000 employees working across eight hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, more than 300 labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our time — discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it. Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients’ medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes more than 9,000 primary and specialty care physicians; 13 joint-venture outpatient surgery centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and more than 30 affiliated community health centers. We are consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals, receiving high "Honor Roll" status, and are highly ranked: No. 1 in Geriatrics, top 5 in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, and top 20 in Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology/Lung Surgery, Rehabilitation, and Urology. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 12 in Ophthalmology. U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” ranks Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital among the country’s best in several pediatric specialties. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is ranked No. 11 nationwide in National Institutes of Health funding and in the 99th percentile in research dollars per investigator according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Newsweek’s “The World’s Best Smart Hospitals” ranks The Mount Sinai Hospital as No. 1 in New York and in the top five globally, and Mount Sinai Morningside in the top 20 globally.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Mount Sinai Health System is an equal opportunity employer, complying with all applicable federal civil rights laws. We do not discriminate, exclude, or treat individuals differently based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, students, trainees, patients, visitors, and the communities we serve feel respected and supported. Our goal is to create a healthcare and learning institution that actively works to remove barriers, address challenges, and promote fairness in all aspects of our organization.

Compensation

The Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) provides salary ranges that comply with the New York City Law on Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements. The salary range for the role is $72500 - $80000 Annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and operational need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation or benefits.