Postdoctoral Fellow - Pavel-Dinu Lab

Seattle Children's • Seattle, WA

3d • $80,172 - $80,172

About The Position

The Pavel-Dinu Laboratory at Seattle Children’s Research Institute is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Fellow to investigate how metabolic stress and inflammation alter the function of hematopoietic stem and immune cells in mouse disease models and primary human systems. Our research focuses on defining how metabolic collapse, redox imbalance, and inflammatory signaling impair stem cell function, and how targeted metabolic interventions can restore immune tolerance and regeneration in pediatric immune and metabolic diseases. The fellow will lead metabolomics-driven projects using both in vitro and in vivo LC–MS, working with primary mouse and human stem and immune cells, and will collaborate closely with metabolomics groups across Fred Hutch Cancer Center. A third research direction offers the opportunity to launch a new project exploring lipid-mediated crosstalk between hematopoietic stem cells and rare immune populations. This position is ideal for a driven, career-focused scientist who is pursuing an academic trajectory, thrives in a fast-paced, intellectually rigorous, early-stage lab environment, and seeks to develop an independent mechanistic niche in immunometabolism and stem cell biology. The Pavel-Dinu Lab is in an exciting growth phase, and the ideal candidate will have the opportunity to advance emerging research directions while building an independent scientific niche. The position offers the opportunity for multi-year training and renewal contingent on performance, mutual interest, and funding availability. RESEARCH PROJECTS: The ideal candidate will advance metabolomics-driven research projects at the intersection of hematopoietic biology and immune-associated stress, using both primary human systems and in vivo mouse models. These efforts emphasize mechanistic depth, technical rigor, and conceptual independence, with flexibility to shape specific directions based on the fellow’s expertise and interests. 1. Metabolic Stress and Regulation in Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells Examine how nutrient availability, redox balance, and metabolic stress influence fundamental states and functional properties of primary human hematopoietic stem cells. Apply targeted and untargeted LC–MS metabolomics, stable isotope tracing, and complementary metabolic assays to interrogate bioenergetic and redox pathway dynamics under defined perturbations. 2. In Vivo Metabolomics in Mouse Models of Hematopoietic Stress Use mouse models to investigate how inflammatory and environmental stressors reshape metabolic programs within the hematopoietic compartment in vivo. Integrate in vivo metabolomics with functional readouts and immune microenvironment profiling to define metabolic features associated with distinct stress-adapted states. 3. Lipid and Metabolite Signaling in Immune–Stem Cell Interactions Investigate metabolite- and lipid-associated signaling processes at the interface of immune and hematopoietic cell populations. Apply metabolomics-based approaches to characterize metabolic and lipid signaling features across distinct cellular compartments. POSITION HIGHLIGHTS Work at the interface of metabolomics, stem cell biology, genome engineering, and immunology in a dynamic, early-stage research group. Access state-of-the-art LC–MS, flow cytometry, single-cell platforms, and in vivo metabolomics resources through SCRI and the broader Seattle research community. Collaborate with metabolomics experts across the Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Receive direct PI mentorship focused on scientific independence, high-impact publications, academic career development, and competitive fellowship applications. Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative, ambitious, high-performing lab culture. Conduct research in a strong institutional environment with a pediatric focus and translational relevance. This position is designed for candidates seeking sustained, in-depth training through multi-year mechanistic projects rather than short-term appointments.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree (PhD/DVM/MD) in metabolism, immunology, stem cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, or a closely related field.
• Experience using basic research techniques of specialty area.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with LC–MS–based metabolomics, metabolic flux assays, or related mass-spectrometry workflows (in vitro and/or in vivo).
• Experience working with mouse models, including routine handling and tissue harvests.
• Experience with flow cytometry and/or cell sorting; transplantation experience is a strong plus.
• Prior work in immunometabolism, stem cell biology, or inflammatory disease models.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute experiments involving LC–MS metabolomics, metabolic flux assays (in vitro and in vivo), and metabolic perturbation approaches in primary mouse and human stem and immune cells.
• Demonstrate proficiency with mouse models, including handling, dosing/injections, harvesting, tissue processing, transplantation, and high-parameter flow cytometric sorting.
• Integrate multi-modal datasets, combining metabolomics with functional assays, flow cytometry, and, when relevant, transcriptomic or single-cell data.
• Formulate and rigorously test mechanistic hypotheses, driving projects from conceptualization through experimental execution, troubleshooting, interpretation, and publication.
• Communicate scientific findings effectively through lab meetings, institutional seminars, and national/international conferences.
• Lead the preparation of manuscripts, abstracts, and competitive fellowship applications (NIH, foundation, and scientific society mechanisms).
• Mentor and train junior lab members, contributing to a collaborative and intellectually vibrant environment.
• Model excellence in scientific rigor, integrity, organization, and time management, contributing positively to a respectful and high-performing research environment.

Benefits

• Seattle Children’s offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 403(b), life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
• Additional details on our benefits can be found on our website www.seattlechildrens.org/careers/benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees