Research Postdoctoral Fellow

Children's National Hospital

1d • $40,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Vasileva team studies how developmental programs and oncogenic gene fusions contribute to pediatric cancer. Using zebrafish models, cell culture, and molecular and imaging approaches, the lab investigates tumor initiation, cell-state changes, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment to identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.

The Research Postdoctoral Fellow is a research trainee who develops research competencies in laboratory or clinical research settings. The fellow assists faculty with research and reports to a principal investigator or CNRI Center Director. Depending on the specialty and project, the role may involve designing and conducting experiments, applying technical knowledge across relevant scientific disciplines, training staff or students, supervising workspace activities, and supporting data management and analysis. The fellow also assists with research planning, grant applications, publications, resource allocation, and day-to-day project or laboratory activities. They may guide peers, technicians, or other research support staff as needed.

Requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Medical Doctor (M.D.) required.
• Completed training in a specialty in a field of research.
• Demonstrated potential for a successful research career and related scholarly achievement.
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, mouse xenograft studies, genetically engineered animal models, or iPSC models.
• Skills in planning and conducting laboratory experiments, data analysis, troubleshooting protocols, documenting results, and maintaining organized research records.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and manage research projects under the direction of the principal investigator and in accordance with federal and institutional regulations and policies.
• Assist the principal investigator with planning and executing research projects, grant applications, and publications.
• Design and conduct experiments as appropriate to the project.
• Support data management and analysis.
• Train technical staff, graduate students, and others in laboratory procedures and study execution, based on experience.
• Provide general supervision in the laboratory or workspace, based on experience.
• Assist with resource allocation and day-to-day laboratory activities, including purchasing and oversight of laboratory animals, radioactivity, and biosafety issues.
• Guide or lead peers, technicians, or other research support staff as necessary to complete assignments and complex projects.
• Use research funds and resources appropriately and maintain confidentiality of data as required.
• Participate in manuscript review, publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and submit grant or contract applications for research funding.
• Participate in research committees, workshops, and special interest groups.
• Collaborate with CNRI researchers and external agencies and institutions to develop cooperative research initiatives.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
• Paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
• 401(k) plan.
• Healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
• Tuition assistance.
• Fitness resources.
• Employee assistance.
• Commuter benefits.

What This Job Offers

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