Our mission
The Program in Innate Immunity (PII) aims to define the mechanisms controlling the initiation and resolution of the inflammatory response during infection and inflammatory diseases. Our unique position at a top medical school enables us to leverage collaboration between innate immunology researchers and clinicians, and translate our work in order to develop the next generation of therapeutics to treat infection, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.
Our work
We are an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental group of investigators, centered in the Division of Innate Immunity and Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, focused on discovering the underlying mechanisms that drive immune defenses and inflammation, in both health and disease.
Research in the program ranges from fundamental studies, performed in invertebrate and vertebrate model systems, to human-based studies of infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. Meet our faculty.
Innate immunity is central to defend nearly all multi-cellular organisms from microbial infection. The innate immune response relies on germline-encoded receptors, which sense microbial products and endogenous danger signals. These innate responses are critical for effective host defense, but careful regulation of innate immunity is equally essential to avoid detrimental inflammatory diseases. Learn more about our research.
Our innovative approaches to training the next generation of scientists and physician-scientists
We actively support the education and training of our graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, scientists, and physician-scientists.
Through predoctoral training programs such as the Innate Immunity Training Program (IITP) and Autoimmunity and Autoinflammation Training Grant Program (AATG), annual conferences and symposiums such as Innate Immunity Day, and internal funding opportunities for trainees such as RISE: The Robert W. Finberg, MD, Memorial Research Training Awards, the Program in Innate Immunity offers unique opportunities for education and training in the fields of innate immunity.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
We are committed to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our faculty, postdocs, students, and staff. We oppose discrimination in all forms and strive to educate ourselves about systemic issues by actively engaging in an ongoing dialogue and learning from all members of the program as well as the broader community. We believe that by doing so, we not only strive to provide an environment that is welcoming to all but that also enriches our personal and professional perspectives and approaches to our research and clinical care. Our ongoing goals include:
- Recruiting, retaining, and advancing students, postdocs, staff, and faculty from historically underrepresented backgrounds
- Fostering dynamic and supportive communities and spaces for individuals to study, experiment, and reflect
- Supporting our diverse community through seminars, journal clubs, professional development workshops, and other events
- Encouraging participation in and collaboration with other campus-wide and community initiatives
Recruitment
Faculty positions: The Division of Innate Immunity in the Department of Medicine is currently seeking applicants for a tenure-track faculty position. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but preference will be given to applications received by March 30, 2024. Learn more and apply.
Prospective postdocs and research staff: Program faculty are always interested in recruiting talented postdocs with interests in innate immunity and inflammatory diseases. Applicants are welcome to contact individual PII faculty directly, but we are also happy to consider applicants at the program level, for those with interests in the field in general. Please email us with your CV and a brief statement of research interests and career goals.
Prospective students: Prospective graduate students are encouraged to apply through our campus-wide Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences umbrella program. Please contact the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Admissions Office with any questions: Ariana Balayan, EdD, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Recruiting.