Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

 

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world’s deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

 

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. These values are grounded in and expressed through the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an anti-racist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, anti-racism and inclusion.

 

The Veatch lab in the clinical research division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow with expertise in immunology to lead a project developing novel T cell therapies in solid tumors. The Veatch lab focuses on strategies of enhancing tumor specific T cell responses in cancer patients and mouse models, with a focus on CD4 T cells that orchestrate the immune responses of CD8 T cells, B cells and myeloid cells, with the goal of developing strategies to activate the tumor immune microenvironment that can be readily translated into the clinic.  

The candidate would lead a project centered on understanding how CD4 T cells modify the tumor immune microenvironment of solid tumors in vivo, performing and validating genetic screens to identify regulators of CD4 T cell function, and defining mechanisms of action and cellular targets with the goal of engineering therapeutic T cell products with enhanced efficacy.  The work would involve using methods of molecular biology (cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing), cellular immunology, in vivo work with mouse models, multi-parameter flow cytometry, single-cell genomics and high dimensional spatial analysis.  This work will also utilize clinical samples from an upcoming first in human clinical trial of TCR transgenic CD4 T cells targeting mutant BRAF in melanoma patients.

 

To be considered for this role, please include a cover letter, and contact information for 2-3 professional or academic references.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in immunology, tumor biology, or related field
• Experience or interest in working with complex mouse tumor models
• Eligibility and desire to apply for future fellowships
• Evidence of productivity, creativity, and strong analytical and interpersonal skills
• The candidate should be enthusiastic about this research area, goal-oriented, a self-starter, and be able to work independently in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in multiparameter flow cytometry (10+ colors)
• Experience working with mouse models and familiarity with various handling techniques (e.g. tail vein, retro-orbital, subcutaneous injections)
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing
• Experience in next generation sequencing data analysis, particularly for single cell RNAseq and TCR sequencing
• Excellent knowledge of fundamental immunology
• Strong analytical, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills are desired.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement, with exceptions only for approved medical or religious accommodations. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees must, prior to their first day of employment:
Provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 ; OR
Initiate the accommodations process to request a religious or medical accommodation (medical accommodations require a healthcare provider’s certification).

 

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your career or that will be made through your work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.

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The annual base salary range for this position is from $65,484 to $100,000 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.  

 

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 6 months).  

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to our Employee Services Center at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.