Post-Doctoral Research Fellow- Cheung Lab

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. 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.

A Post-Doctoral Research Fellow position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Kevin Cheung at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Our lab focuses on finding new ways to prevent and treat breast cancer metastases. We explore how groups of tumor cells move together—known as collective cell migration—by combining insights from cell biology, biochemistry, and ecology. By studying these interactions and the surrounding microenvironments, we’ve uncovered key factors driving metastasis and therapy resistance. Our goal is to turn these discoveries into targeted treatments that can move into early clinical trials.

Recent work from our lab has identified collective interfaces between tumor cells through which neighboring cells exchange signals to proliferate and metastasize (Cheung and Ewald. Science 2016; Yamamoto et al. PNAS 2023; and Wrenn et al. Cell 2020). Major areas of funded investigation include defining the physical and biochemical properties of these interfaces; the signaling complexes that reside there; and how collective signaling instigates resistance to breast cancer therapy. We are seeking highly motivated postdoc candidates interested in finding the answers to these questions. Applicants will study how breast tumor cells communicate using organoid models, synthetic biology, and microscopy to find ways to block their signals therapeutically.

Responsibilities

We are looking for rigorous scientists who love doing experiments, work well in a team, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will lead a core funded project in our laboratory.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD degree.
• Minimum of two first-author publications.
• Strong skills in cell culture and molecular biology.
• Must work well independently and in a team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Interdisciplinary research training or industry experience.
• Experience in antibody development or small molecule screening.
• Background in cell signaling and cancer genetics.
• Proficiency in organoid models and microscopy.

To Apply: Please apply with a CV, three professional references, and a motivation letter for why you are specifically interested in this job opportunity.

URL: https://www.fredhutch.org/en/labs/profiles/cheung-kevin.html

The annual base salary range for this position is from $77,976 to $95,014.40 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.

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).

Additional Information

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.

Salary : $77,976 - $95,014