Post-Doctoral Research Fellow-Cell Biology and Neurobiology

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center • Seattle, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Rajan Lab, which investigates how cells sense, encode, and communicate metabolic and immune stress between organs. The lab utilizes adult Drosophila as a discovery engine, with validation in mammalian systems, to explore how cells repurpose conserved molecular machinery and move signals between distant tissues. This role offers the opportunity to anchor in an established, funded project and build an independent niche from it, with a focus on field-shaping, high-impact work in cell biology or neurobiology. The lab's research areas include Atg8 spatiophysiology, brain senescence & adipo-glial communication, inter-organ mitochondrial signaling, lipoprotein & lipid biology, and behavior & cognition. Fred Hutch provides a supportive, highly collaborative, and resource-rich environment for postdoctoral fellows, with access to outstanding core facilities and a deep community of researchers.

Requirements

• PhD (recent, or expected within ~6 months) in cell biology, neurobiology, biochemistry, genetics, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in molecular and cell biology.
• Background in one of the focus areas: Atg8 spatiophysiology, brain senescence & adipo-glial communication, inter-organ mitochondrial signaling, lipoprotein & lipid biology, or behavior & cognition.
• Familiarity with Drosophila genetics and/or mammalian cell culture is desirable.
• Creative, independent thinker.
• Ability to thrive as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Cover letter describing previous research, future research interests, and career goals, selecting one or two research areas.
• CV.
• Contact information for three references.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated strength in biochemistry and cell biology, particularly the Atg8/ubiquitin-like protein and autophagy field, chromatin biology or cargo trafficking.
• Demonstrated strength in mitochondrial biology.
• Demonstrated strength in lipoprotein / lipid biology.
• Demonstrated strength in Drosophila behavior (feeding or cognition — learning and memory).

Responsibilities

• Anchor in an established, funded project and build an independent niche from it.
• Develop own questions, own a defined direction, and carry it toward an independent career.
• Conduct high-impact work in cell biology or neurobiology.
• Contribute to research in areas such as Atg8 spatiophysiology, brain senescence & adipo-glial communication, inter-organ mitochondrial signaling, lipoprotein & lipid biology, and behavior & cognition.
• Collaborate with team members within a well-funded lab.
• Apply for prestigious fellowships.
• Produce first-author and collaborative publications.
• Gain conference visibility.
• Transition to independence.

Benefits

• Medical/vision
• Dental
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Retirement plan
• 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)
• Paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree