Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Innate Immunity to HIV-1

Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.

At Fred Hutch, we believe that the innovation, collaboration, and rigor that result from diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission of eliminating cancer and related diseases. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an antiracist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, antiracism, and inclusion.

 

 

A Post-Doctoral Research Fellow position is available with Dr. Anthony Rongvaux, Ph.D. at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The Rongvaux Lab uses state of the art humanized murine models to study innate immune responses specific to the human species. This research project focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of innate immunity to HIV-1 infection.

Over 35 million people are living with HIV-1 worldwide. About 40% of them don’t have access to antiretroviral therapies, resulting in over half a million deaths annually.

 

Acute HIV-1 infection induces a rapid inflammatory response, characterized by the production of large amounts of cytokines. However, this immune response is ineffective at controlling the virus. As a consequence, the virus can establish chronic infection and, if not treated, progresses to a lethal disease. Understanding why the natural immune response to HIV-1 infection does not confer protection, but rather contributes to pathogenesis, could help us design more effective therapies and vaccine strategies.

 

Using state of the art humanized murine models, single-cell RNA sequencing and genome editing, the postdoctoral fellow will study the mechanisms by which the immune system detects, and responds to infected cells. This work will result in a better understanding of the contribution of the innate immune system, in vivo, to antiviral activity vs. immune dysfunction and pathogenesis.

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

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. 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 are an Affirmative Action employer. 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 our Employee Services Center at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.