Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Prasanphanich Lab

Primary Location: Cincinnati, OH | Department: Infectious Diseases | Shift: Day | Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week, 1.0 FTE) | Employee Status: Regular

About the role

We are seeking a post-doctoral research fellow to join an emerging physician-scientist investigator studying early life infection and immunity. Our lab investigates the innate immune and microbial mechanisms that underlie control of infection in pregnancy and neonates through molecular, translational, and computational approaches. Our long-term goal is to translate understanding of host-pathogen interactions into therapies that reduce the morbidity and mortality of pre-term birth and neonatal infections.

Current projects use primary human samples to investigate:

• What is the impact of placental inflammation on neonatal innate immune antibacterial function in vitro and sepsis outcomes?
• How do anti-viral immune cells and neuro-inflammation impact viral control and clinical outcomes in infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection?
• How does placental natural killer cell antimicrobial protein (granulysin) protect from infection-related pregnancy complications? (collaboration with Tamara Tilburgs)

We seek a candidate with self-motivation, independence, innovative ideas, and passion to help drive new projects forward. A strong foundation in laboratory molecular biology, microbiology, cell culture, and scientific communication is required. Additional expertise in immunology, flow cytometry, host-pathogen interactions, animal models, translational and/or computational approaches is welcome.

You will have the opportunity to develop new protocols and projects alongside the PI, learn high-parameter flow cytometry and other cutting-edge techniques, and benefit from the community support, technical and scientific expertise of collaborating immunology labs with whom we hold joint lab meetings. The lab is located within the Division of Infectious Disease and currently consists of the PI and a Research Assistant. Resources include access to a BSL-2 lab, tissue culture room, plenty of shared divisional equipment, and extensive CCHMC core facilities. Collaborations exist with established investigators in the Divisions of Infectious Disease, Immunobiology, Neonatology, and Bioinformatics, with additional internal/external collaborations under development for use of preclinical models.

Responsibilities

• Develop the skills and knowledge (critical thinking and analysis of data, devising specific aims, long-term project planning and experimental design) to become an independent scientist
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments, and analyze data, which may affect decisions regarding future patient care
• Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques
• Ensure protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks
• Implement this knowledge in the Division/Department
• Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment
• Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis
• Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and meetings
• Develop skills to critically review and discuss data being presented
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants
• Progressively increasing responsibilities with mentorship of research staff and fiscal administration
• Maintain currency in field through continuing education, literature, and seminars
• Be an active participant in the process through intellectual discussions with PI and other faculty, trainees and research staff
• Solicit feedback on career trajectory from PI, mentoring committee and others who can provide coaching and insight
• Attend required Cincinnati Children’s training sessions and ensure regulatory compliance with all institutional (i.e. Infection Control, ORCRA and others as applicable) policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent degree
• Strong foundation in laboratory molecular biology, microbiology, cell culture, and scientific communication
• Additional expertise in immunology, flow cytometry, host-pathogen interactions, animal models, translational and/or computational approaches (preferred)
• Self-motivation, independence, innovative ideas, and passion to drive new projects forward

About Cincinnati Children's

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose.

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10 best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years
• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding
• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025)
• One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune
• Consistently certified as a great place to work
• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability
• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

We Embrace Innovation—Together. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.