Postdoctoral Associate -- Sexual Dimorphism of Somatic Tissues

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Position Function

The Taracena Agarwal Lab in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University seeks a creative and motivated Postdoctoral Associate to lead research on the genomic and epigenomic basis of sexual dimorphism in somatic tissues of insect disease vectors. This is a foundational position in a newly established research program, and the successful candidate will play a defining role in shaping the lab's scientific direction and contributing first-author work to its inaugural body of publications.

Sex-specific traits in somatic tissues -- such as those governing blood-feeding, reproductive physiology, immune competence, and vector capacity -- are central to the biology of disease transmission, yet the regulatory architecture underlying these differences remains poorly understood. The successful candidate will combine functional genomics approaches (ATAC-seq, single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-seq, splicing variant analysis) with the sex-determination cascade to dissect how chromatin accessibility, transcriptional regulation, and alternative splicing produce sex-specific somatic phenotypes. Findings from this work are expected to inform the next generation of genetic and biological control strategies for vector-borne disease.

The Postdoctoral Associate will design and execute experiments, generate and analyze high-throughput sequencing datasets, prepare manuscripts as first author, present findings at international conferences, and contribute to grant and fellowship applications. The position offers substantial intellectual independence within a collaborative environment, direct mentorship from the PI, and tailored support for career development toward the postdoc's chosen trajectory (academic, industry, or otherwise).

Anticipated Division of Time

• Research design, execution, and data analysis: 70%
• Manuscript and grant/fellowship writing: 15%
• Mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in the lab: 10%
• Lab citizenship, including journal clubs, seminars, and shared lab responsibilities: 5%

Requirements

Required

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, entomology, developmental biology, or a closely related discipline (completed by the start date).
• Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing library construction (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, or related).
• Demonstrated experience with at least one of the following: ATAC-seq, single-cell or single-nucleus RNA-seq, splicing variant identification, or functional dissection of the sex-determination cascade.
• Proficiency in command-line bioinformatics and a scripting language for genomic data analysis (R, Python, or equivalent).
• Track record of first-author peer-reviewed publication (published or in advanced preprint/submission).
• Strong written and oral scientific communication skills in English.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to mentor junior trainees.

Preferred

• Experience working with insect systems, particularly disease vectors (mosquitoes, triatomines, sand flies, or related).
• Integrated experience across two or more of: ATAC-seq, sc/snRNA-seq, splicing variant analysis, and sex-differentiation pathway studies.
• Experience with multi-omic data integration and/or chromatin biology.
• Experience generating or working with transgenic insect lines, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, or RNAi-based functional validation.
• Prior success in obtaining independent fellowship funding, or a clear plan and willingness to apply for postdoctoral fellowships (e.g., NIH F32/K99, HFSP, Burroughs Wellcome, Damon Runyon, or international equivalents).
• Interest in vector biology, disease ecology, or translational applications to vector control.

Driving is not a requirement for this position.

Supervision Exercised

The Postdoctoral Associate will provide day-to-day functional supervision and scientific mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students working on related projects within the lab. The PI retains primary responsibility for personnel decisions and formal evaluations. Supervisory expectations will follow the CALS Guidelines for people leaders.

What the Lab Offers

• Direct, frequent mentorship from the PI, with weekly one-on-one meetings and active engagement in experimental design and manuscript preparation.
• First-author opportunities on foundational lab publications and a defining role in shaping the lab's research identity.
• Salary at or above the current NIH NRSA postdoctoral scale, commensurate with experience.
• Guaranteed funding for the initial appointment, with strong support and active mentorship for applying to independent fellowships.
• Access to Cornell's outstanding genomics, imaging, insectary, and computational core facilities, and to a vibrant community of vector biologists, geneticists, and computational biologists across the Department of Entomology, the Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease (CIHMID), and allied programs.
• Support for conference attendance, professional development, and career planning tailored to the postdoc's goals.
• Visa sponsorship available for qualified international applicants.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit:

• A cover letter (1-2 pages) describing research experience, scientific interests, fit with the advertised project, and career goals. Within the cover letter, please also propose one experiment you would design to investigate sex-specific differentiation, transcriptional regulation, or alternative splicing in a somatic tissue of your choice. We are interested in your scientific reasoning, not in a polished or pre-validated proposal;
• Curriculum vitae, including a full publication list;
• Contact information for three professional references (letters will be requested for shortlisted candidates).

Informal inquiries prior to formal application are welcomed and may be directed to Dr. Taracena Agarwal at mabel.taracena@cornell.edu.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified. Candidates are encouraged to apply early; the search will close once the position is filled.

The anticipated start date is flexible and can be negotiated to accommodate the thesis defense, current commitments, and visa timelines.

CALS hiring rate for this position is $63,480.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell's regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

With a founding principle of "any person, any study," Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay Range:

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.

• Academic Discipline

• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.