Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is proud of its rich tradition in postdoctoral education and has a deep commitment to the postdoctoral experience. CSHL has long been recognized as a place for nurturing young scientists with postdoctoral researchers being an integral part of the discovery process. One measure of our success is our long list of distinguished postdoc alumni.
The Laboratory currently employs approximately 175 postdoctoral fellows working in the labs of 47 Principal Investigators. Current fields of research expertise are genetics; molecular, cellular and structural biology; neuroscience; cancer; plant biology; and genomics and bioinformatics.
CSHL is one of 60 institutions funded by the Cancer Centers Program of the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute (NCI). Funding from the NCI supports Shared Research Resources at the Lab, which provide access to state-of-the-art technology and equipment. These resources include microarray, 2D gel, monoclonal antibody, flow cytometry, and microscopy, an animal research facility including gene targeting and transgenic mouse services, as well as the latest nucleic acid and protein chemistry expertise. An Information Technology Department provides computer support and the Graphic Arts Department assists in the preparation of artwork for publications and presentations. Since 1978, an NCI training grant has supported approximately 100 postdocs, many of whom have highly successful careers in cancer research. The NCI training program, which focuses on basic cancer research, is a distinct and unique part of the Laboratory’s overall program of postdoctoral training.
The Meetings and Courses program brings over 8000 scientists to our campus each year, presenting our postdocs with the opportunity to hear the latest research findings in a wide range of fields. The ability to meet with these visiting scientists offers a unique opportunity for our postdocs to broaden their scientific knowledge and to network. Additionally, as part of our weekly seminar series, our postdocs are invited to meet informally with speakers over lunch.
The Postdoctoral Program Office provides support for current and arriving postdocs as well as educational and career development programs. The Program’s administrator can be reached at postdocprogram@cshl.edu. CSHL has an active Postdoctoral Association (PDA) whose purpose is to represent the interests of the CSHL postdoctoral community. All CSHL postdocs are welcome and encouraged to attend PDA meetings and events.
Postdocs at CSHL receive competitive salaries and attractive benefits packages. All postdocs are eligible for benefits, regardless of their source of funding. These benefits include comprehensive medical and dental insurance and flexible spending accounts. Postdocs are eligible for housing and relocation supplements and are enrolled after two years in the Lab’s retirement plan. CSHL also has an excellent and affordable, licensed, on-site childcare center.
Postdoctoral fellows at CSHL typically apply for salary support from government agencies or private foundations. The Postdoc Program Office can assist postdocs in identifying and applying for fellowships. You may also download a list of current fellowships and fellowship deadlines. Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research, as mandated by NIH guidelines for NRSA and training grant recipients, is provided to all postdoctoral fellows.
An additional benefit to postdocs at CSHL is the paid first year membership to the New York Academy of Science. This membership allows postdocs access to all Academy meetings, their informational website and to the New York Science Alliance for Graduate Students and Postdocs (Science Alliance). The Science Alliance has been developed to bring scientific, professional, career-related, social and cultural programming to the students and postdocs in the greater New York area.
To apply for the opportunity to do your postdoctoral research at CSHL, refer to the Lab's faculty list to determine whose work is most in line with your research interests and write to that investigator. Email addresses are provided on scientists' pages. Please send a letter of introduction and a copy of your CV to the scientist in whose work you are interested. Additionally, a listing of currently available positions is posted on our Human Resources website.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.
