Benaroya Research Institute·Seattle, Washington
The associate will design and lead research projects investigating adaptive immune responses to commensal microbes at barrier tissues. Responsibilities include implementing genomic and computational techniques, publishing findings, and mentoring junior laboratory members.
Overview The Harrison Lab at the Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an innovative research program focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying adaptive immune responses in barrier tissues.
The lab combines cellular immunology, models of commensal colonization, pathogen infection, and advanced genomic approaches to investigate how immune cells acquire specialized functions, maintain immune tolerance, and contribute to immune-mediated disorders.
The open positions focus on the study of: Induction and regulation of commensal-specific CD8+ T cells in intestinal homeostasis and inflammation.
Differentiation and effector function of helminth-specific T and B cell responses.
The origin and effector function of autoantigen-specific B cells in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Responsibilities include conceptualizing and executing experiments, data analysis, laboratory record keeping, and oral and written presentation of experimental results. The research associate will be expected to work collaboratively with other staff members in discussing projects, implementing experiments and preparing manuscripts and grant applications. The position may involve oversight/supervision of technicians or graduate students.
A PhD or MD/PhD in Immunology, or related field with a deep understanding of mucosal immunology is required. Expertise working with murine models of intestinal immunity and inflammation, high-parameter flow cytometry, and molecular biology is desired. Experience with bioinformatics-based analysis of transcriptomics and epigenetics datasets is preferable but not essential. Applicants with good organizational and analytical skills are encouraged to apply. Applicants with 3 years or less of postdoctoral experience preferred. Compensation $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 About Us 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.
A Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Immunology or a related biomedical discipline is required. Candidates should have fewer than four years of postdoctoral experience and a strong record of scientific productivity.
Market context
Postdoctoral Research Associate roles in Washington are typically in steady demand at research universities, medical centers, and biomedical labs, especially for candidates with immunology, neuroscience, or molecular biology training. This role is competitive because it asks for strong technical skills in flow cytometry, molecular biology, and murine disease models, plus limited postdoctoral experience and at least one first-author publication. If you are considering applying, tailor your CV and cover letter to match the listed methods and research area, and note that the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original posting to save research time.
