Post-Doctoral Research Fellow: Functional Genomics & CRISPR

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. 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.

Are you interested in joining a lab focused on cutting-edge CRISPR screening and immuno-oncology? The Li Lab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (https://research.fredhutch.org/haolong-li/en.html) is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join our dynamic team. We are dedicated to advancing cancer research and developing new treatments.

Our research focuses on dissecting the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving prostate cancer progression and therapy resistance. We integrate CRISPR based functional genomics, epigenetic profiling, and chemical biology approaches to identify and characterize novel therapeutic targets including regulators of androgen receptor (AR) signaling. We employ large-scale CRISPR screening (genome-wide and custom libraries), next-generation sequencing, DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation profiling (5mC/5hmC), and in vivo mouse models. Our work emphasizes combining genetic, epigenetic, and small molecule perturbations to uncover actionable vulnerabilities in aggressive prostate cancer. Our lab is part of the Prostate Cancer Program and is located next to the Nelson Lab (https://research.fredhutch.org/peternelson/en.html) and the Haffner Lab (https://research.fredhutch.org/haffner/en.html). The Post-Doctoral Fellow will have opportunities for collaboration and co-mentorship with PIs in the program.

The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will lead independent research projects with direct translational relevance to cancer treatment. We've already established cutting-edge platforms and collected exciting data ready to be explored. The successful candidate will have the chance to lead and be first author on projects aimed at identifying novel therapeutic targets and developing new combination treatment strategies.

Design and execute independent research projects under the mentorship of Dr. Li.
• Develop and implement high-throughput CRISPR-based screening strategies
• Integrate genetic, epigenetic, and pharmacologic perturbations to study cancer biology
• Apply for independent funding (intramural and extramural).
• Participate in grant writing, manuscript preparation, lab meetings, and journal clubs.
• Mentor junior lab members, including technicians and students.
• Contribute to and lead publications in high-impact journals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD (or equivalent) in cancer biology, cell biology, genetics, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in molecular biology and cell biology
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and enthusiastic about cancer research.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with CRISPR-based technologies (screening, base editing, or prime editing).
• Background in cell signaling, gene regulation, or epigenetics
• Experience with next-generation sequencing and analysis of genomic/epigenomic data.
• Familiarity with DNA methylation biology, including 5mC and 5hmC regulation
• Interest in designing genome-wide or custom CRISPR screening libraries
• Experience with single-cell sequencing approaches
• Interest or experience in chemical biology, small-molecule screening, or degrader design
• Comfort working across in vitro systems and in vivo mouse models.

The annual base salary range for this position is from $80,172 to $91,304, and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.

Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.

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, income-based child care subsidy, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (22 days per year), paid sick leave (up to 30 calendar days per occurrence of a qualifying reason), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).