Postdoctoral Fellow - Heczey Lab

Overview

The Heczey Lab believes that the development of the next-generation of cell therapies will be based on in-vivo (inside the body) genetic engineering of cells which can overcome the immune escape mechanisms employed within the tumor microenvironment to safely and effectively cure patients with cancer. The lab has a preclinical and clinical arm.

The post-doctoral associate will be part of an energetic team within the combined translational laboratories of the Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders Research at the Seattle Children’s Research Institution. This position will focus on developing synthetic gene expression switches to overcome immune escape of tumors. Specific targets to accomplish this goal are informed by our two ongoing clinical trials treating patients with CAR T cells.

The project will implement tumor triggered regulatory circuits to protect the engineered cells from exhaustion and enhance their survival with the tumor microenvironment.

The post-doctoral associate will be tasked to design and conduct the experiments related to the project with the help of the mentor and other team members of the Heczey Lab. He/she will analyze the data and present the evolving results at weekly laboratory meetings and research seminars of the Seattle Children’s Research Institution. The details of the experiments and the findings will be recorded in electronic laboratory notebook.

• Design and conduct experiments related to the project with guidance from the mentor and team members.
• Analyze data and present evolving results at weekly lab meetings and research seminars.
• Document experimental details and findings in the electronic laboratory notebook.
• Collaborate with translational laboratories and clinical trial teams to align experimental goals with ongoing CAR T cell trials.

• Doctorate degree (PhD/DVM/MD) in Immunology, genetic engineering, or related fields.
• Experience using basic research techniques of the specialty area.

• N/A.

• Strong knowledge of tumor immunology principles.
• Understanding advanced genetic engineering techniques (transfection, retroviral / lentiviral transduction, transposition, CRISPR-Cas9).
• Viral particle assembly.
• Advanced cloning methods.
• Expertise in functional characterization of CAR T cells.
• Excellent aseptic cell culture technique.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong organizational skills, record keeping, and interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).

Compensation Range

$77,968.80 - $ 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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

About Us

Seattle Children’s explores Hope. Care. Cure. These words capture our mission to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. We are committed to being a worldwide leader in pediatric research and patient care, collaborating across institutions to pursue solutions to complex problems.

Our Commitment

Seattle Children’s welcomes people of all experiences, backgrounds, and thoughts. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. We strive to respect and celebrate the qualities that make each of us unique and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace and Affirmative Action Employer.