There is strong evidence that underrepresentation is an important problem that the health research enterprise must address (see Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering (https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf21321/) ). Fostering diversity by addressing underrepresentation in the research workforce is consistent with Seattle Children’s vision and values (https://www.seattlechildrens.org/about/mission-vision-values/) .

A fully supported Postdoctoral Scholar position is available in the Coler Lab (https://www.seattlechildrens.org/research/centers-programs/global-infectious-disease-research/research-areas-and-labs/coler-lab/) to characterize immune response of novel vaccines and immune pathology associated with tuberculosis and co-morbidities, as well as how the microbiome and associated ecological and evolutionary factors affect our immune response. Previous experience in cellular immunology is required. Additionally, we seek candidates with experience in bioinformatics and/or computational approaches to analyzing vaccine induced immune responses and the microbiome. This Postdoctoral position provides the time, funding, mentorship, experiences, and training necessary to foster the early career development of the next generation of researchers.

The postdoctoral fellow will receive funding, focused mentoring, experience and training in laboratory and preclinical settings and will develop expertise in the assessment of vaccine-mediated immune responses and systems immunology. A key aspect will include multiomic integration of several types of datasets, including genes, proteins, whole cells, and microbiome surveys to gain a clear, integrated understanding of vaccine function during infection and disease. The fellowship is designed to prepare the post-doctoral level trainee for a career in an academic or non-profit biotechnology multidisciplinary setting

Primary Responsibilities:

• Application of computational methods to complex biological systems

• Development of computational infrastructure for processing and analysis of next generation sequencing datasets, including isolate and metagenomic studies

• Extraction of nucleic acid from various biological sources and preparation of next generation sequencing libraries

• Normalization, integration, and analysis of datasets of multiple modalities

• Carry out technical procedural work including dosing (all major routes including intravenous) and collection procedures (blood, organs) with laboratory animal species with competency in mice

• Assessment of cellular, molecular, and computational immunological endpoints in preclinical projects, with an emphasis on multi-parameter flow cytometry.

• Contribute to study reports, statistical analysis plans and grant applications

• Work closely under supervision to implement research projects that further the understanding and development of effective vaccines

• Committed participation as a team member to support experimental design, developing immunoassay methodology following scientific literature review, quality standards and discussion with peers, as required

• Responsible for following Standard Operating Procedures

• Records procedures, outcomes and observations in lab notebook following established guidelines

• Utilize established mathematical and scientific techniques to compile, critically analyze and interpret data

• Communicate with research management on a regular basis

• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals

• Presents research at group and internal/external scientific meetings

• Familiarity with current immunological or microbiological assays such as:Flow cytometry, ELISpots, antibody neutralization, and ELISA.

• Extensive working knowledge with data analysis and graphing software such as FlowJo, Prism, and/or Jump

Please note: Funding for the position is limited to approximately three years.

Required Education and Experience

Doctorate degree (PhD/DVM/MD) in specialty area from an accredited university training program.

Experience using basic research techniques of specialty area.

Required Credentials

N/A.

Preferred

• Experience and technical skills in next-generation sequencing, multi-omics approaches, deep understanding of immunology and/or human biomarker research

• Demonstrated coding skills in one or more programming languages (i.e., Python, R, shell scripting, or similar)

• Proficiency in MS Office, scientific data/graphics programs, bioinformatics, and biostatistics

• A strong track record of publication

• Experience working under Biosafety Level 2 or 3 (BL2/BL3) conditions

• Willingness and ability to work under BL3 conditions with appropriate training

• Experience working with small animal models of infectious diseases

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

• Must be self-motivated, highly organized and be able to work on teams

Compensation Range

$65,478.00 - $98,571.00 per year

Salary Information

This compensation range was calculated based on full-time employment (2080 hours worked per calendar year). Offers are determined by multiple factors including equity, skills, experience, and expertise, and may vary within the range provided.

Disclaimer for Out of State Applicants

This compensation range is specific to Seattle, positions located outside of Seattle may be compensated differently depending on various factors .

Benefits Information

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 .

About Us

Hope. Care. Cure. These three simple words capture what we do at Seattle Children’s – to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. Are you ready to engage with a mission-driven organization that is life-changing to many, and touches the hearts of all? #HOPECARECURE

Our founding promise to the community is as valid today as it was over a century ago: we will care for all children in our region, regardless of the families’ ability to pay. Together, we deliver superior patient care, advance new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research, and serve as the pediatric and adolescent, academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho – the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country.

In 2022, U.S. News & World Report once again ranked Seattle Children’s among the nation’s best children’s hospitals – for the 30th year in a row. For more than a decade, Seattle Children’s has been nationally ranked in all 10 specialty areas evaluated by U.S. News & World Report. We are honored to be the top-ranked pediatric hospital in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

As a Magnet designated institution, and classified among America’s best large employers by Forbes, we recognize the importance of hiring and developing great talent to provide best-in-class care to the patients and families we serve. Our organizational DNA takes form in our core values: Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity and Innovation. Whether it’s delivering frontline care to our patients in a kind and caring manner, practicing the highest standards of quality and safety, or being relentlessly curious as we work towards eradicating childhood diseases, these values are the fabric of our culture and community. The future starts here.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Our community welcomes diverse experiences, backgrounds, and thoughts as this is what drives our spirit of inquiry and allows us to better connect with our increasingly diverse patients and families. Our organization recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

The people who work at Seattle Children’s are members of a community that seeks to respect and celebrate all the qualities that make each of us unique. Each of us is empowered to be ourselves within this community, which cultivates and promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion at all levels.

Seattle Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace and Affirmative Action Employer.