Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Overview

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 Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will work on independent and collaborative projects in Dr. Chapuis' laboratory developing adoptive T cell immunotherapy within the Program in Immunology and Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. This highly translational research will involve the development of novel TCR-based cellular therapies for clinical translation; development of next-generation humanized murine models to gain insights into the in vivo barriers to effective therapy; and may include monitoring patients through-out the course of treatment with T cell therapies.  Additionally, the successful applicant will employ strategies for improving current immunotherapy treatments, including and not limited to; cloning and characterizing T cell receptors (TCRs) specific for cancer-associated antigens, developing cutting-edge strategies for genetic modification of human T cells including CRISPR-based gene editing, and developing/testing new approaches for overcoming immunosuppressive signals in the tumor microenvironment.

 

Dr. Chapuis is a leader in the development and clinical application of adoptive immunotherapy using genetically modified T cells and is committed to the advancement of this approach. This is a full-time position. Please note that WA state has mandated minimum salary for overtime-exempt employees (WAC 296-128-545).

Responsibilities

• Cell Culture, cell sorting, flow cytometry, intracellular staining, and transfections
• Molecular bench work with PCR, cloning, and vector design
• NGS including, Single cell RNA sequencing, WEX, WGS
• Validation through functional and killing assays
• Write and submit grants and first author papers to peer reviewed journals
• Stay current with relevant publications and apply knowledge to research
• Compile data and synthesize innovative problem-solving methods
• Collaborate and present data with a wide range of stakeholders and partners
• Train others on protocols
• Mentor and lead undergraduate and graduate students
• Assist with lab maintenance and function

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• MD and/or a PhD in a biological science with a diverse knowledge of immunology
• Proficient in immunology technique and knowhow
• Strong scientific writing skills, ability to write and apply for funding opportunities and abstracts
• Able to digest complex material and synthesize innovative ideas
• Compile and clearly present data to an eclectic audience, both orally and written
• Well versed in flow cytometry

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with molecular techniques lentiviral modification of T cells
• Experience in analysis of TCR signaling pathways and T cell function
• Familiarity with biostatistics, R and Python languages
• Ability to derive and maintain T cell tissue cultures
• Have a good understanding of SRAs and/or phase I/II clinical trials

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 H