Staff Scientist - Benaroya Research Institute

The BRI Center for Interventional Immunology (CII) is seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative staff scientist to join our team. Our analyses focus on identifying immune and metabolic markers associated with clinical outcomes, and identification of predictors of response to therapy. The CII includes scientific and clinical investigators and experienced teams to support our studies; together, we design, perform, and analyze data from clinical research studies that aim to better understand the drivers and consequences of immune-mediated disease.

The Staff Scientist conducts independent research relevant to multiple current projects within the department. This role will collaborate closely with bioinformaticians and biostatisticians to collate and analyze data derived from a variety of immune-related clinical research studies. Initial projects include:

1) A study that aims to understand features of rapid progression to T1D, referred to as the “Key Question 1” study. The staff scientist will lead analyses combining data from multiple ‘omics-scale measurements derived from serum samples, such as Olink proteomics, genome-scale autoantibody discovery assays, and more. The new hire will coordinate generation of data across multiple collaborating laboratories throughout North America, will participate in analysis of multi-omic data, and will write manuscripts and progress reports based on study findings.

2) A study that seeks to identify environmental exposures associated with development, progression, and prognosis of autoimmune disease. The staff scientist will aide in coordination of a consortium of multiple sites across the country, focusing on improving communication between BRI and other sites. They will lead pilot analyses to understand associations between environmental exposures and disease flares in rheumatoid arthritis in a local BRI cohort. They will conduct literature reviews on topics related to environmental exposures in autoimmune disease, and contribute to drafting planned review/perspectives articles.

Duties include:
• Maintain and analyze datasets for the Key Question 1 study
• Collaborate closely with BRI’s bioinformatics and biostatistics team to develop and streamline analytical approaches for multiple CII datasets, such as Olink proteomics, mass cytometry, and bulk/whole blood RNAseq, among others
• Collaborate with leaders in immunological research, including BRI PIs and external investigators worldwide
• Prepare literature reviews and data to aide in writing grants and publications; strong writing skills are a must
• Present data to internal colleagues and external investigators
• Utilize project management skills to maintain strong communication and clear timelines between investigators participating in multi-site studies
• Query, clean, and share datasets related to a variety of autoimmune diseases
• Track timelines for grants and pharma studies; prepare progress reports
• Perform other responsibilities as required

The successful applicant will interface with scientific collaborators to optimize research study designs, and facilitate access to samples and analysis of data related to the above studies. Ability to communicate scientific concepts to fellow investigators and lay people is a critical element of the position, both in talks and in writing. This role may involve very occasional “bench time,” but will primarily focus on writing and data analysis.

The Staff Scientist is a highly collaborative team player who welcomes challenges. Requires a Ph.D, preferably in immunology but related fields acceptable. Minimum of three years of related postdoctoral training. Prefer experience with exposure to large datasets (e.g. RNAseq, Olink proteomics). Exposure to clinical research a plus, such as development of IRB protocols. Exposure to autoimmune disease research a plus. Attention to detail and science writing experience are required. Training in statistical analysis would be beneficial but not required.

Submit your resume along with a personalized cover letter addressing your qualifications and interest in this position. Your cover letter should highlight relevant experiences, skills, and why you believe you are the ideal candidate for this role. Applications submitted with a cover letter are given higher consideration. 

$79,680 to $125,100 per year

• 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
• Subsidized YMCA membership
• Voluntary benefits, e.g., pet insurance, accident, critical illness, identify theft
• See benaroyaresearch.org for benefit details

Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) has a bold mission: 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 all. As an independent non-profit organization within Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, 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 the 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, join 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.