Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Harrison Laboratory at Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) in Seattle, Washington, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an innovative research program focused on mucosal immunology and host–microbiome interactions. Our research seeks to understand how commensal microbes shape the development, education, and function of the adaptive immune system, and how these interactions influence tissue homeostasis, wound repair, and immune-mediated disease.

Using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates cutting-edge immunology, single-cell genomics, epigenomics, and computational analysis, we develop and apply novel tools to identify and track commensal-specific T and B cell responses in healthy and inflamed tissues. Our goal is to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate immune responses at barrier tissues, including the skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Current research areas include the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of commensal-specific T cell differentiation, post-transcriptional regulation of tissue-resident T cell function, T cell–epithelial cell communication during wound healing, and the induction and regulation of commensal-specific B cell responses in the gastrointestinal tract.

The successful candidate will lead independent and collaborative research projects in a highly interactive and supportive environment, with opportunities to publish impactful research, pursue fellowship and career development funding, and collaborate with investigators across BRI and the University of Washington.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will:

• Design and lead independent and collaborative research projects investigating adaptive immune responses to commensal microbes and mechanisms of immune regulation at barrier tissues.
• Develop and implement innovative experimental approaches using immunological, molecular, genomic, and computational techniques.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate research findings through laboratory meetings, scientific presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and grant or fellowship applications.
• Contribute to studies focused on:
  • Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of commensal-specific T cell differentiation during homeostasis and immune-mediated disease.
  • Post-transcriptional regulation of tissue-resident T cell function.
  • T cell–epithelial cell cross-talk during wound healing.
  • Induction and regulation of commensal-specific B cell responses in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Collaborate with investigators, trainees, and technical staff across Benaroya Research Institute and the University of Washington.
• Mentor junior laboratory members and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
• Maintain accurate documentation of experimental procedures and results while adhering to institutional standards for responsible conduct of research.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Immunology or a closely related biomedical discipline.
• Fewer than four years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and interpret independent research projects.
• Strong record of scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent or anticipated Ph.D. in Immunology or a related field.
• Research experience in immunology, mucosal immunology, T or B cell biology, host–microbiome interactions, or immune regulation.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, flow cytometry, single-cell genomics, transcriptomic and/or epigenetic analyses, or bioinformatics approaches for high-dimensional datasets.
• Experience using animal models of inflammation or infection is desirable but not required.
• Interest in developing an independent research program and pursuing a career in academic, biotechnology, or translational biomedical research.

$80,182 - $83,000 per year; depending on years of postdoctoral experience.

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts: health care, dependent care, commuter
• Short and long-term disability
• Life and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with matching funds after one year of employment
• 13 holidays, 3 weeks of vacation and 2 weeks of sick leave per year
• Employee assistance program
• Educational assistance program
• Subsidized ORCA pass
• Wellness benefits
• Voluntary benefits

Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) has a bold mission: to advance the science to predict, prevent, reverse and cure immune system diseases, from autoimmune disease to cancer to asthma and allergies. We create detailed pictures of the immune system in health and disease, aiming 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 everyone. BRI is a nonprofit research institute based in Seattle and affiliated with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. We collaborate with clinicians and patients to accelerate the path from innovative lab discoveries to life-changing patient care.

At BRI, each individual is valued as an important contributor to our vision and mission. Consider making a difference by joining our team. Because together, we are powering possibility.

To learn more, visit benaroyaresearch.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, Facebook and YouTube.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance completing the online application, please contact Human Resources at 206-342-6547 or email jobs@benaroyaresearch.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.