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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the lab team of Dr. Alison Feder, Freeman Hrabowski Scholar, based in the Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. The Feder lab investigates the dynamics of rapidly evolving populations, especially viruses and bacteria evolving within their hosts and solid tumors progressing to malignancy. In particular, they are characterizing how spatial organization shapes these evolutionary outcomes and developing approaches to leverage spatial data to better understand evolutionary histories. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting https://federlab.github.io/

About the Postdoctoral Scientist role:

This role is an ideal fit for an intellectually curious, creative, and driven scientist ready to gain further professional training while bringing passion for discovery and enthusiasm for contributing to the Feder lab’s goals. The ideal candidate thrives on collaboration, demonstrates strong communication skills, and is committed to professional growth and development.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Full access to HHMI’s on-demand online training courses and skill-building seminars.

• Generous and stable research funding from HHMI.

• Joining the vibrant UW research community.

• Mentorship from a leader with a growth mindset who values scientific curiosity and cross-disciplinary thinking

• Opportunities to develop an independent research portfolio and mentor junior scientists

What you’ll do:

• Based on your career interests, you will have the opportunity to either develop your own research project in the lab or work on an established research project involving rapid evolutionary dynamics in viruses, bacteria and cancer contexts

• Write scientific manuscripts describing research findings.

• Attend local and national meetings to present research findings, learn about the latest advances in the field, and develop a scientific network.

What you bring:

• A PhD in the life sciences, computer science or applied mathematics is required. Focus on genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology, or computational biology is preferred.  

• Experience with Python, R or a different scripting language is required. Experience with mathematical modeling and/or the analysis of next generation sequencing data would be a plus.

• A self-motivated mindset with the persistence to explore innovative research and address challenging scientific problems.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle challenges creatively.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and discuss findings clearly in diverse settings.

• A flexible and adaptive approach, willing to learn new techniques, share expertise, and contribute to the collective success of the team.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Meticulous approach to work with a high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to work successfully within a collaborative and congenial environment.

• Strong commitment to research integrity.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-NG1

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Hiring Pay Range

Pay Type:

The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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