Post-Doctoral Research Fellow - mRNA Translational Control - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, WA
About the Job
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.
Multidisciplinary Postdoc in mRNA translational control
The Lapointe and Subramaniam labs (Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutch) are hiring a joint Postdoctoral Fellow. The fellow will develop and apply state-of-the-art molecular recording assays to study protein-nucleic acid interactions occurring during mRNA translation at the single molecule and genome-wide level. The goal of the project is to examine how RNA-binding proteins search for their binding sites within mRNAs, and once bound, how they redistribute ribosomes along the bound mRNA. The ideal candidate will leverage the complementary expertise of our groups to apply in vitro single-molecule spectroscopy approaches and massively parallel reporter and CRISPR screening assays in cells.
Both the Lapointe and Subramaniam labs provide supportive environments that strongly emphasize individualized mentoring strategies. Researchers in our groups are prepared for a wide range of careers in academia and industry. If you join, we prioritize your continued development into an independent scientist. We will work with you to both identify and develop plans to achieve your research and professional development goals. We also will enhance your ability to think critically and communicate effectively, skills transferrable to any career path. In parallel, Fred Hutch and the Basic Sciences Division offer numerous career development opportunities, benefits, and competitive salaries (approx. $68k starting, with scheduled raises to ~$91k by ‘27) to postdoctoral fellows.
Responsibilities:
The fellow will learn and apply cutting-edge molecular recording assays to track interactions of single proteins and ribosomes with single mRNAs in vitro and in human cells. To do so, they will use biochemical, molecular biology, and functional genomics approaches and use computational methods to analyze sequencing data. The fellow will present their work at group meetings and conferences and write up their work for publication. Secondary responsibilities include mentoring graduate students and research technicians and contributing positively to the lab community and intellectual environment.
Other Expectations
- Work collaboratively between our groups and with external collaborators.
- Apply for postdoctoral fellowships and/or career development awards.
- Will contribute to the growth mindset philosophy of our groups.
Minimum Qualificaitons:
- Ph.D. degree in biochemistry, cell biology, biology, biophysics, or a related discipline.
- At least one published first-author research paper in a peer-reviewed journal.
- A strong foundation in hypothesis-driven, basic research.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Independently motivated to think, plan, conduct, analyze, and document experiments and findings.
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.
The annual base salary range for this position is from $67,728 to $100,000 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.
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, income-based child care subsidy, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (22 days per year), paid sick leave (up to 30 calendar days per occurrence of a qualifying reason), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).