Overview

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. These values are grounded in and expressed through the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. 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. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an anti-racist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, anti-racism and inclusion.

The Lapointe Lab (Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutch) is hiring a Staff Scientist. The scientist will apply state-of-the-art biochemical and in vitro single-molecule microscopy assays to study protein-RNA interactions that control human mRNA translation. Using a fully reconstituted system, the goal of the project is to examine how RNA-binding proteins search for their binding sites within mRNAs, and once bound, how they control the process of translation initiation. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working collaboratively and in a multidisciplinary environment.

The Lapointe Lab provides a supportive environment that strongly emphasizes individualized mentoring strategies. If you join, we prioritize your continued development into an independent scientist. We will work with you to both identify and develop plans to achieve your research and professional development goals. We also will help enhance your ability to think critically and communicate effectively. In parallel, Fred Hutch and the Basic Sciences Division offer numerous career development opportunities, benefits, and competitive salaries.

Responsibilities

The scientist will learn and apply cutting-edge cell biology, biochemical, and single-molecule assays to track interactions of single human proteins and ribosomes with single mRNAs. The ideal candidate will lead independent projects and engineer new cell lines for the lab. They also will present their work at group meetings and conferences and write up their work for publication. Secondary responsibilities include mentoring graduate students and research technicians, managing the lab, and contributing positively to the lab community and intellectual environment.

Other Expectations

• Work collaboratively within the Lapointe Lab and with Fred Hutch and external collaborators.
• Will contribute to the growth mindset philosophy of our group.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. degree in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
• At least three published first-author research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• A strong foundation in hypothesis-driven, basic research.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Independently motivated to think, plan, conduct, analyze, and document experiments and findings.
• A strong track-record of mentoring and engaging with students.

Please upload with your application:

1. Your CV, with publications and contact information for 3 references listed;
2. A one page cover letter that includes:

• • A summary of your past research experiences and accomplishments.
  • Your research interests and why your background and interests are a good fit for this project.
  • Your broader goals for your postdoctoral training period and career, including an ideal timeframe.
  • Your potential start date.

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your career or that will be made through your work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.

The annual base salary range for this position is from $72,000 to $185,000 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.
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, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (22 days per year), paid sick leave (up to 30 calendar days per occurrence of a qualifying reason), paid holidays (up to 13 days per year), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 12 months for professor track faculty, up to 6 months for other scientific staff).