Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Intestinal Immunity

Overview

Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.

At Fred Hutch, we believe that the innovation, collaboration, and rigor that result from diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission of eliminating cancer and related diseases. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an antiracist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, antiracism, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

The Koch lab is recruiting a postdoctoral research scholar to conduct research in the area of intestinal immunity. Our work focuses on understanding how maternal-offspring interactions shape neonatal responses to the gut microbiota and regulate health in the short and long-term.

 

We are currently hiring for a funded project aimed at understanding how breastmilk antibodies promote nutrient acquisition and healthy growth in infant murine. Novel tools will be developed to isolate and track microbiota-reactive B cells from humans and murine.

 

Other potential projects in the lab involve  

• Dissecting how different isotypes of maternal antibodies promote tolerogenic responses to commensals and defend against pathogens
• Defining the mechanisms involved in the sampling and presentation of commensals in neonates compared with adults
• Determining how non-nutritive breastmilk components regulate neonatal physiology
• Understanding the mechanisms by which breastfeeding regulates long-term metabolic health

The PI is fully committed to providing thoughtful feedback on experiments, encouraging exploration into exciting new research directions and supporting career development. Strong candidates will have excellent communication skills, a clear ability and desire for independent research and enjoy actively participating in a highly collaborative environment.   

Qualifications

A recent, or anticipated, Ph.D. in Immunology (or similar subject) is required. Applicants must have a demonstrated track record of productive research, demonstrated by first author publication(s) and presentations. This is a full-time position with a salary based on the NIH scale and excellent benefits. Fellowship opportunities are available through several philanthropic and government organizations; and recruits who join the lab will be supported in their applications. Ideal candidates will have the significant expertise in cellular and molecular biology. Experience with murine models and proficiency in flow cytometry is required. Experience with tissue culture, microbiology, molecular cloning and/or bioinformatics is preferred.

Application instructions: To apply please submit your application with the following

• Statement of current work and research interests (up to 1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names and email addresses of three references that can speak to your research abilities

 

Fred Hutch 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 provide proof of vaccination or initiate the accommodations process before their first day of employment. 

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

Our Commitment to Diversity

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.