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Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our interdisciplinary research team at Burke Neurological Institute and Weill Cornell Medicine, under the direction of Katherine Travis, PhD. Our research focuses on how early-life experiences—including sensory, social, and caregiving environments—shape brain development and developmental outcomes in children born preterm. A central goal of this work is to develop and test early interventions that reduce the risk of developmental disabilities in this vulnerable population.
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to clinical and translational research with direct relevance to care practices in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The fellow will play a key role in clinical studies that involve neuroimaging, developmental assessments, and electronic health record analysis, while gaining valuable experience in the design and execution of clinical trial research. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in developmental cognitive neuroscience, child development, or pediatric health, and an interest in improving neurocognitive and language outcomes in preterm infants.
The fellow will have the opportunity to:
• Work closely with clinical teams at Weill Cornell Medicine and collaborators at Stanford University in a dynamic translational research setting.
• Gain hands-on experience in clinical trials, including recruitment, intervention delivery, data management, and regulatory processes.
• Attend conferences, co-author manuscripts, and contribute to grant development.
• Pursue independent research projects aligned with the lab’s mission.
Responsibilities
- Lead and support day-to-day coordination of clinical and observational research studies focused on preterm infant development.
- Conduct and oversee advanced statistical analyses, including longitudinal and multivariate models, using neuroimaging, behavioral, and EMR data.
- Mentor and supervise research assistants, ensuring high-quality data collection, entry, and protocol adherence.
- Manage and analyze large, multi-source datasets, and assist in maintaining data pipelines and research documentation. Collaborate with the PI and research team to develop analytic strategies, interpret findings, and ensure scientific rigor.
- Assist with IRB submissions, study documentation, and regulatory compliance.
- Lead or co-author manuscripts, conference presentations, and other dissemination efforts targeting clinical and scientific audiences.
- Contribute to study design, tool development, and refinement of research protocols.
- Develop and submit fellowships for independent projects under the mentorship of the PI.
- Participate in regular team meetings and strategic planning to inform lab growth and research direction.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical science, public health, or a related field, with a focus on developmental, clinical, or cognitive neuroscience preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in a clinical or translational research setting, ideally involving infants, young children, or pediatric populations.
- Prior work with diverse families, including those from low-income or underrepresented backgrounds, is strongly valued.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and use of software such as R, Python, or SPSS; experience with longitudinal data and multilevel modeling is a plus.
- Experience with data management platforms and research tools, such as SQL, RedCap, or Qualtrics is also valued.
- Understanding of research ethics and compliance, including IRB protocols and regulatory documentation.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research findings clearly to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team, including clinicians, research staff, and trainees.
- Demonstrated initiative, professionalism, and a strong interest in child development, neuroimaging, or clinical intervention research.
- Interest in pursuing independent research and applying for fellowships or career development awards is highly encouraged.
Benefits
BNI offers a robust Benefit package to full-time employees. Some highlights include:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
- Company paid Life Insurance/AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Buy ups for additional voluntary life insurance for you and your family and short-term disability buy-up.
- Health, Dependent and Commuter FSA programs
- 403b Program with a generous employer contribution after 1 year of service
- Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Generous PTO and Company Holidays
- Monthly on campus Happy Hours and annual company retreat
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative work environment
Compensation
Salary Range:
- $60,000 to $70,000 annual exempt position; based on NIH experience scale.
How to Apply
To apply, interested candidates should complete the online application on the BNI website (https://burke.weill.cornell.edu/future-talent/open-job-positions), upload a cover letter, a resume/CV, and include three contacts for references.
About the Institute
The Burke Neurological Institute is a nonprofit leading scientific research institute devoted to advancing the study of neurological diseases and injuries. The overarching goal of the Institute, an academic affiliate of Weill Cornell Medicine, is to leverage the most innovative and highest quality neuroscience to restore brain and spinal cord function in those with neurological injury including stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, age related macular degeneration. Twenty faculty funded by federal and private agencies work alongside 100 individuals on a beautiful 60-acre campus in White Plains, New York, 15 miles from the heart of New York City.
Burke Neurological Institute is an equal opportunity employer.