Postdoctoral Research Associate

This translational immunologist collaborative position, at the Benaroya Research Institute, provides a unique opportunity to explore the potentially protective role of exhausted CD8 T cells in type 1 diabetes (T1D) by integrating immunology and systems biology skill sets.

The Long Lab is a translational immunology lab focused on better understanding underlying mechanisms of autoimmune disease, patient variability, and response to therapy. Currently, we are primarily focused on three, inter-related projects in the setting of T1D: 1) Causes and consequences of reduced response to IL-2, 2) Differentiation and stability of CD8 T cell exhaustion associated with better outcome, and 3) identification of biomarkers of T1D severity.

Each of these projects use human samples, are collaborative in context working with the diabetes team and systems immunology, and use the resources of the BRI Human Immunophenotyping (HIP) Core, supervised by Dr. Alice Long.

The postdoctoral scientist leads independent cellular and molecular research relevant to defining mechanisms underlying CD8 T cell exhaustion in the context of T1D that build from past publications (Long, et.al., Sci Imm, Wiedeman, et.al., JCI).

The applicant will:

• Design and perform experiments and analyses relevant to CD8 ‘exhausted’ cells found in T1D to determine molecular mechanisms that underlie differentiation, stability and function of these cells at different stages of disease
• Work with the Bioinformatics team at BRI to design and perform experiments; this may include learning computational skills and using systems tools
• Collaborate with leaders in the field of autoimmunity
• Publish papers, write grants and present findings at meetings
• Supervise support staff in the lab
• Be forward thinking by welcoming opportunities for additional training and engagement with the larger scientific community
• Foster a friendly, collaborative learning environment that prioritizes integrity and respect, innovation and agility, and constant inquiry

• Requires a Ph.D. in Immunology or a related field and experience in tissue culture, cellular and molecular techniques
• Demonstrated track record of technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others, and independent thought
• Preferred: experience with cytometry and large data-sets
  
  

$65,479 - $68,490 per year

• Medical, dental, vision hardware insurance
• Flexible spending accounts: health care, dependent care, commuter
• Short and long-term disability and life and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with matching funds after one year of employment
• PTO: 13 holidays, three weeks of vacation and two weeks of sick leave per year
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Subsidized bus pass
• Subsidized YMCA membership
• Voluntary benefits, e.g., pet insurance, accident, critical illness, identify theft
• See benaroyaresearch.org for benefit details 

Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) has a bold mission: Predict, prevent, reverse and cure immune system diseases, from autoimmune disease to cancer to COVID-19. We examine the immune system in both health and disease to understand how disorders start and how to rebalance the immune system back to health. Equipped with innovative tools and robust biorepositories, our team chips away at the biggest mysteries behind these conditions to work toward our vision of a healthy immune system for all. As an independent non-profit organization within Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we collaborate with clinicians to accelerate the path from innovative lab discoveries to life-changing patient care.

At BRI, each role is valued and an important contributor to the vision and mission. BRI is committed to a safe, caring and diverse workplace; as well as to taking action to further our commitments to foster inclusion, equity and belonging so employees feel comfortable bringing their full selves to work. Consider making a difference, join our team. Because together, we are Powering Possibility.

Visit BenaroyaResearch.org or follow BRI’s Autoimmune Life Blog, Facebook, Instagram, 
LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status. If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 206-287-5646 or email jobs@benaroyaresearch.org