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 Talbot lab, within the Basic Science Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, is recruiting a highly motivated, organized, and communicative Staff Scientist to lead cutting-edge studies to understand the neural basis of intestinal regulation of immunity and metabolism. 

The Talbot lab studies the gut-brain axis, and how gut neurons sense diet and microbes, regulating immunity, metabolism, and nutrition. For that, we use mouse models, intravital imaging, calcium reporters, molecular immunology, viral-assisted neural circuit tracing, optogenetics and chemogenetics, CRISPR-Cas9 genetic alterations, single-cell genomics, and diet engineering. One objective of our studies is to develop dietary strategies that use the modulation of gut neurons to combat gastrointestinal-associated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gut infections, malabsorption conditions, and metabolic disturbances. This research offers the opportunity to study the intersection of different areas including neurobiology, immunology, host-microbiota interactions, nutrition, and gastroenterology. 

More information:?https://www.jhimmylab.org/  

Fred Hutch offers great benefits and highly competitive salaries commensurate with experience.  

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have the ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment.? 

The fellow will be responsible for developing and executing a project related to the interests of the lab. Namely, investigating the role of neuroimmune interactions in intestinal homeostasis using a mouse model system. Potential research topics include to investigate: 

• The mechanisms by which dietary components are sensed by gut neurons that regulate intestinal immunity and nutrient absorption. 
• The molecular mechanisms of plasticity in the enteric nervous system, and its functional consequences. 
• Discrimination of commensals and pathogens by gut neuronal circuits. 
• Immune modulation by gut neurons. 

Qualifications

Ph.D. in neuroscience (or related areas) and extensive (demonstrated) experience in: 

• Mouse modeling and work in neuroscience (including knowledge of mouse neuroanatomy, surgical and dissection procedures and animal genetics)
• Imaging techniques in tissue explants or in vivo (preference for measuring neuronal activity using calcium indicators) 
• Systems and circuit neuroscience 
• Optogenetics 
• Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics, or high-technology applications to perform work duties as well as equipment that requires setup, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting 

* Preference will be given to candidates that are familiar with Cell and Molecular Biology techniques (including western blotting, immunoprecipitation, cloning, PCR, qPCR, sterile tissue culture, virus preparation, DNA/RNA isolation, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, flow cytometry, and cell sorting) 

* Biostatistics and basic programing skills are also preferred

• Published evidence of productivity. A track record of first-author publications is highly desirable
• Creativity and strong analytical and interpersonal skills are required 
• Outstanding technical and communication skills are essential for this position 
• Capacity to analyze and interpret experimental data and summarize findings for presentations, grants, pre-prints, and publications  
• Dynamic and driven – engaging and encouraging in team environments  
• Desire to mentor and train junior trainees including high school students, undergraduates, research technicians, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows 
• Willingness to write and apply for funding opportunities and co-author manuscripts  
• Provide intellectual and interactive commitment to the position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications

The ideal candidate will be: (i) interested in developing research in the field of sensory neurobiology of the gut and its intersection with immunity and metabolism by utilizing an array of innovative mouse models and sophisticated approaches that we have developed in the lab, and (ii) expected to contribute to a creative, collaborative and bustling laboratory environment. 

Application Instructions:  

Please apply by submitting the following files on pdf: 

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement, with exceptions only for approved medical or religious accommodations. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees must, prior to their first day of employment:
Provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 ; OR
Initiate the accommodations process to request a religious or medical accommodation (medical accommodations require a healthcare provider’s certification).

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 Hutch is requested of all finalists.

The annual base salary range for this position is from $65,484.00 to $120,000.00 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance. 

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance. 

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package  designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (22 days per year), paid sick leave (up to 30 calendar days per occurrence of a qualifying reason), paid holidays (up to 13 days per year), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 12 months for professor track faculty, up to 6 months for other scientific staff). 

Our Commitment to Diversity

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to our Employee Services Center at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.

Not ready to apply? Connect with us  for general consideration.