Postdoctoral Fellow
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onPlanifyr
About Cleveland Clinic Health System
At Cleveland Clinic Health System, we believe in a better future for healthcare. Each team member is responsible for honoring our commitment to excellence, pushing boundaries, and transforming the patient experience every day. We all have the power to help, heal, and change lives—beginning with our own. That is the power of the Cleveland Clinic Health System team, known as "The Power of Every One."
About the Role
We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join the Hyun Jung Kim Lab within the Inflammation and Immunity Department. This training position, appointed through Cleveland Clinic Research, offers practical experience in a cutting-edge research setting under the direct supervision of a Principal Investigator.
The role focuses on two primary research avenues:
Microbiome-Associated Anti-Cancer Therapeutics Researchers will investigate how gut microbes modulate immune checkpoints on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Using patient-derived CRC organoid models, the lab has demonstrated that live gut bacteria reduce the expression of surface immune checkpoints through an enzymatic mechanism. Successful candidates will identify the responsible microbial enzymes and elucidate their mechanism of action.
Microbiome-Associated Disease Modeling Researchers will explore how the gut microbiome drives human gastrointestinal diseases using next-generation organoid and organ-on-a-chip platforms. Working at the interface of microbiology, disease biology, and bioengineering, you will join transdisciplinary collaborations with physician-scientists, immuno-oncologists, and pharmaceutical partners. The goal is to elucidate microbiome-driven mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal fibrosis, CRC, celiac disease, and GI infectious diseases, advancing precision therapeutics and translational medicine.
This program is expected to be completed within 5 years. The successful applicant will demonstrate a commitment to research, a collaborative work ethic, and strong written and verbal communication skills.
Hiring Process
Candidates must submit all application materials directly via email to Dr. Hyun Jung Kim at kimh19@ccf.org. Required materials include:
- CV
- Cover letter highlighting qualifications pertinent to the specific project outlined above
- A list of three references
For more information about the lab's research, please contact the PI directly.
Equal Opportunity and Culture
Cleveland Clinic Health System is an equal employment opportunity employer. Decisions concerning employment, transfers, and promotions are made based on the best qualified candidate without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The system maintains a drug-free environment, and all offers of employment are followed by testing for controlled substances. Additionally, all employees are required to comply with the influenza prevention program, which includes obtaining an annual influenza vaccination or obtaining an approved exemption.
Work location
Work model: On-site
Planifyr
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleElucidate the enzymatic mechanisms by which gut bacteria reduce immune checkpoint expression
- check_circleApply expertise in microbial biochemistry, protein engineering, or synthetic biology to research projects
- check_circleIdentify microbial enzymes responsible for modulating immune checkpoints on colorectal cancer cells
- check_circleUtilize organ-on-a-chip and microphysiological systems to model inflammatory bowel disease and cancer
- check_circlePerform cellular and molecular phenotyping to advance precision therapeutics and translational medicine
- check_circleInvestigate how the gut microbiome drives human gastrointestinal diseases using organoid platforms
- check_circleConduct host-microbiome crosstalk and mucosal immunology research in transdisciplinary collaborations
- check_circleCollaborate with physician-scientists and pharmaceutical partners to develop targeted therapeutics
Requirements
- verifiedPhD or MD/PhD required
- verifiedMD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD
- verifiedEnglish Proficiency proof required for J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status
- verifiedPrevious experience in a research or academic setting
- verifiedScientific writing experience
Nice to Have
Experience in engineering designer probiotics or liver biotherapeutics for targeted payload delivery or tumor-localized sensing. Training in host-microbiome biochemical interactions, glycoprotein processing, microbial physiology, or AI-assisted synthetic biology. Hands-on experience in organ-on-a-chip, microphysiological systems (MPS), or new approach methodologies (NAM). A strong foundation in traditional biochemistry or cell biology combined with enthusiasm for emerging microphysiological platforms.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleInfluenza prevention program with annual vaccination requirement or approved exemption
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Microbial Biochemistry, Enzymology, Glycobiology, Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes, Cazymes, Proteomics, Target Identification, Protein Engineering, Microbial Synthetic Biology, Designer Probiotics.
Education: PhD required; MD/PhD required or MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute.
Frequently asked questions about Postdoctoral Fellow at Cleveland Clinic
What does a Postdoctoral Fellow at Cleveland Clinic do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Postdoctoral Fellow at Cleveland Clinic will elucidate the enzymatic mechanisms by which gut bacteria reduce immune checkpoint expression; apply expertise in microbial biochemistry, protein engineering, or synthetic biology to research projects; identify microbial enzymes responsible for modulating immune checkpoints on colorectal cancer cells; and utilize organ-on-a-chip and microphysiological systems to model inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.
What are the requirements for this Postdoctoral Fellow role?expand_more
To qualify for the Postdoctoral Fellow at Cleveland Clinic position, applicants should have: PhD or MD/PhD required; MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD; English Proficiency proof required for J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status; Previous experience in a research or academic setting; and Scientific writing experience.
Where is the Postdoctoral Fellow role at Cleveland Clinic located?expand_more
Postdoctoral Fellow at Cleveland Clinic is based in Planifyr. This is a on-site role.
Is this Postdoctoral Fellow job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Cleveland Clinic has listed this Postdoctoral Fellow role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Postdoctoral Fellow role?expand_more
Postdoctoral Fellow at Cleveland Clinic typically requires 0+ years of relevant experience at the intern level.
What skills do you need for the Postdoctoral Fellow role at Cleveland Clinic?expand_more
Key skills for Postdoctoral Fellow at Cleveland Clinic include Microbial Biochemistry; Enzymology; Glycobiology; Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes; Cazymes; Proteomics; Target Identification; and Protein Engineering.
What education is required for Postdoctoral Fellow at Cleveland Clinic?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: PhD required; and MD/PhD required or MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute.
What category does the Postdoctoral Fellow role belong to?expand_more
Postdoctoral Fellow at Cleveland Clinic is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.