Cynthia Leifer Appointed Director of Postdoctoral Affairs at Cornell

Cynthia Leifer, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at Cornell University, effective January 15, 2024. Leifer, a faculty member in microbiology and immunology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, will oversee support for approximately 750 postdoctoral researchers across the university’s Ithaca, Cornell AgriTech, and Cornell Tech campuses.

Leifer takes over from Christine Holmes, who has directed the office since its inception in 2005 and is retiring after a distinguished 34-year career at Cornell. Holmes has been recognized nationally by the National Postdoctoral Association for her significant contributions to enhancing the postdoctoral experience.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, previously known as the Office of Postdoctoral Studies, will now operate under the umbrella of Research & Innovation, a shift intended to better integrate postdoctoral support with Cornell’s broader research initiatives. Vice Provost for Research Gary Koretzky emphasized the importance of postdoctoral researchers, stating, “Postdocs are a critical component of the research engine at Cornell.” This organizational change aims to provide postdocs with improved access to essential tools and networks for their professional growth.

Postdoctoral positions at Cornell are competitive and offer valuable mentorship, training, and experience for individuals who have recently earned their doctoral degrees. “The office is dedicated to supporting postdocs’ excellence while they’re here and preparing them for their future careers in research and leadership,” Koretzky added.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Leifer previously led graduate studies in biomedical and biological sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research has enhanced understanding of immune system responses, and she has actively contributed to career development programming for postdoctoral researchers through the Program for Achieving Career Excellence (PACE). Funded by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, this initiative includes innovative training methods such as grant writing workshops and mock study sessions that simulate real evaluation processes.

“Part of the program was testing innovative ways to support postdocs to determine what approaches were most effective,” Leifer noted. “Our data shows that training for grant writing and mock study sessions have a significant impact for postdocs who choose to pursue research careers.”

Leifer herself held a postdoctoral position at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, before joining Cornell’s faculty. She completed her Ph.D. at the Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences.

Looking Ahead to New Challenges

In her new role, Leifer aims to continue the legacy of excellence established by Holmes. “Research is changing quickly, with rapidly evolving tools like AI and massive data sets,” she stated. “I see it as my role to develop programming and support mechanisms to help postdocs as they navigate this new environment.”

Holmes has been instrumental in creating robust support systems for postdoctoral researchers, providing vital career development opportunities and advising. She is set to receive the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from the National Postdoctoral Association for her efforts.

“Christine’s dedication and leadership have built a strong foundation for postdoctoral success at Cornell,” said Thomas A. Lewis, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for graduate education. “I am confident that Dr. Leifer will build upon Christine’s achievements by continuing to adapt and expand the office’s programming and resources to help postdocs excel in research and their careers.”

The transition to new leadership marks an important moment for postdoctoral affairs at Cornell, positioning the office to effectively support its researchers amidst the evolving landscape of academic research.