Postdoctoral Research Associate

Overview

Attention immunologists and/or genetics/genomics experts: the Ray Lab and Harrison Lab at the Benaroya Research Institute have a joint post-doctoral fellow position open to conduct research on a funded project pertaining to genetic risk for inflammatory bowel disease and how genetic mutations influence T cell function during intestinal inflammation. The Ray Lab intersects immunology and genetics to define genetic mechanisms that drive risk for autoimmune diseases. The Harrison Lab investigates how T cells promote intestinal homeostasis, inflammation and repair. Together, our collaborative efforts seek to define how human genetic variation contributes to disease through performing CRISPR genome editing and other functional genomic approaches in immune cells and define how genetic risk alters cellular expression and function in human cells and mouse models of IBD. Dr. Ray has affiliate appointments at the University of Washington Departments of Immunology and Genome Sciences. Dr. Harrison has an affiliate appointment at the University of Washington Department of Immunology.

Responsibilities

Immunologist and/or genetics/genomics expert: will analyze genetic variants and their effects on enhancer and promoter function in immune cells in vitro, through performing massively parallel reporter assays and high-throughput CRISPR screens in human primary T cells from IBD patients and healthy controls. The applicant will dissect the biological mechanisms of screen candidates identified in vitro in models of CD4 T cell mediated intestinal inflammation in murine models of colitis. 

Other current projects in the Ray Lab focus on:

• Mapping enhancers that control T cell function and their target genes at steady state and in infection and autoimmunity using bulk and single cell CRISPR screens.
• In vivo enhancer screening in autoimmune mouse models.
• In vivo CRISPR screens of genes that drive pathogenic cells in lupus nephritis.

Other current projects in the Harrison Lab focus on:

• Induction and regulation of commensal-specific T and B cell responses in the intestine.
• Investigating how environmental and tissues factors regulate T cell function.

Qualifications

We are seeking highly motivated yet team-oriented individuals with an aptitude for developing and/or applying skills in genetics, genomics, immunology, or bioinformatics. The individuals we are seeking will hold MD, PhD, or MD/PhD degrees in immunology, genetics, or genome sciences. Expertise in human primary T cell biology and culture techniques, genomic and statistical approaches, or with murine models of inflammation are highly preferred. Furthermore, training opportunities will be provided in bioinformatics or immunology as required.

Interested applicants should email jray@benaroyaresearch.org or oharrison@benaroyaresearch.org with their CV and a statement of interest.

Compensation

$67,744 - $70,852 per year 

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision hardware insurance
• Flexible spending accounts: health care, dependent care, commuter
• Short and long-term disability and life and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with matching funds after one year of employment
• PTO: 13 holidays, three weeks of vacation and two weeks of sick leave per year
• Employee assistance program
• Educational assistance program
• Subsidized bus pass
• YMCA rebate and other fitness club discounts
• Voluntary benefits, e.g., pet insurance, accident, critical illness, identify theft
• See benaroyaresearch.org for benefit details

About Us

Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) has a bold mission: To predict, prevent, reverse and cure immune system diseases, from autoimmune disease to cancer to COVID-19. We examine the immune system in both health and disease to understand how disorders start and how to rebalance the immune system back to health. Equipped with innovative tools and robust biorepositories, our team chips away at the biggest mysteries behind these conditions to work toward our vision of a healthy immune system for everyone. BRI is a world-renowned independent nonprofit research institute affiliated with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and based in Seattle. We collaborate with clinicians to accelerate the path from innovative lab discoveries to life-changing patient care.

At BRI, each role is valued and an important contributor to our vision and mission. BRI is committed to a safe, caring and diverse workplace; as well as to taking action to further our commitments to foster inclusion, equity and belonging so employees feel comfortable bringing their full selves to work. Consider making a difference by joining our team. Because together, we are powering possibility.

To learn more, visit benaroyaresearch.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads,  LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status. If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 206-342-6972 or email jobs@benaroyaresearch.org.

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