Primary Work Address: Health Science Building, Seattle, WA, 98195-7370

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The Mitchell Lab at the University of Washington is seeking a driven and curious Postdoctoral Associate to join our group. The Mitchell lab focuses on understanding basic principles of host-pathogen interactions to address unmet challenges in infectious disease research. One of our primary areas of interest is focused on a class of innate immune sensors that form inflammasomes and deciphering how these sensors detect pathogens and influence host defense and pathogenesis. More information about ongoing research can be found on our website: https://mitchelllabuw.com .

There are several available projects in the lab, and it is expected that postdoctoral associates bring their own excitement, ideas, and expertise to these projects to advance both central aspects of the Mitchell Lab’s research while building an independent research program. Some research areas that we are particularly interested in including:

• Effector-triggered immunity in antiviral immunity and viral pathogenesis.

• Discovery of new modes of effector-triggered immunity.

• Effector triggered immunity and inflammasomes in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease.

• Leveraging molecular mechanisms of effector-triggered immunity to engineer designer biosensors.

• The evolutionary and molecular basis of effector-triggered immunity in animals.

Application Instructions
Please include the following items in one PDF as part of your application:

• A cover letter including a summary of your research experience, your career goals, and your expertise in the relevant field(s).

• Your curriculum vitae includes a list of publications with brief (2-3 sentences) descriptions of your contributions to the published work.

• Names and contact information for at least 3 references.

What we provide:

• A fun, positive, and inclusive research environment.

• Training in microbiology, immunology, molecular evolution, and microbial pathogenesis.

• Training in science writing and communication.

• The opportunity to mentor junior colleagues and work collaboratively as part of a team.

• Opportunities for professional and educational development and growth, including assistance in preparing postdoctoral fellowships, job applications, and interviews.

• The opportunity to present original work at scientific meetings.

• Access to several vibrant Seattle research communities, including the University of Washington, the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Benaroya Research Institute, Systems Biology Institute, Paul Allen Institute, and Seattle Children’s Research Institute.

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• An opportunity to live and work in the vibrant and beautiful city of Seattle, Washington, amidst the natural wonder of the Pacific Northwest.

What you’ll do:

To be considered for a postdoctoral associate position, ideal candidates will have experience and prior training in some of the following areas:

• Microbiology, virology, immunology, computational biology, molecular evolution, biochemistry, and/or neuroscience

• Mouse models of microbial pathogenesis

• CRISPR screens

What you bring:

• A Ph.D. in molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, or a related field is required.

• Ability to learn quickly and to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to integrate and apply your existing expertise and ideas to Mitchell lab research questions.

• High level of research integrity.

• Positive attitude with a problem-solving, resilient approach.

• Willingness to fully participate in lab and departmental activities, to positively engage with other team members and promote their success (e.g., by reviewing manuscripts, participating in practice talks), mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to an inclusive and productive research climate.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$70,000.00 (minimum) - $80,500.00 (midpoint) - $91,000.00 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer