Postdoctoral Research Associate - Benaroya Research Institute

A postdoctoral position is available in the Byrd Laboratory in the Center for Systems Immunology at Benaroya Research Institute. The mission of the Byrd lab is to leverage multi-omic clinical datasets to discover actionable insights into how microbial factors associate with and influence disease development, therapeutic response, and immune system activation in patients with cancer and immune-mediated diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Specific projects include studying samples from a 1,000-person healthy control population to understand which factors influence the gut microbiome in the steady state and how the gut microbiome subsequently impacts the metabolome and systemic immune responses. In parallel, we are also interested in the role of microbes locally present in tissues, e.g. colorectal tumors and gastrointestinal biopsies. To accomplish this, we are actively developing methods to reliably detect microbes in low biomass samples and then correlating those microbial signatures with clinical metadata and host gene expression patterns.

Under the mentorship of the principal investigator in the Byrd Laboratory, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct semi-independent to independent biomedical research aimed at advancing our understanding of the microbiome's role in disease development.  This position demands a high level of expertise in both computational and experimental biology to support innovative, cutting-edge research within a collaborative team environment.

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:

• Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments focused on microbiome research, with particular emphasis on gut microbiome interactions.
• Conduct biological specimen handling and processing, ensuring proper sample preparation for high-quality microbiome analysis.
• Maintain meticulous laboratory records to document protocols, results, and experiment modifications.
• Perform data analysis using bioinformatics tools, applying statistical methods as needed, and interpreting complex datasets for microbiome-related studies.
• Utilize computational skills in Unix, Python, and R to process, analyze, and visualize research data.
• Contribute to the development of bioinformatics pipelines tailored to lab-specific research needs.
• Prepare research findings for publication and/or presentation at scientific meetings.
• Engage in literature review and reading of scientific journals to stay updated with recent advances in microbiome and disease research.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams within the lab and other researchers at BRI and UW to foster interdisciplinary discussions on experimental design, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation.
• Assist with drafting research grant and contract applications, supporting funding efforts aligned with laboratory goals.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to lab technicians and other support staff, ensuring successful execution of projects.

• Recent or expected PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in computational biology, computer science, bioinformatics, or related life science field with strong bioinformatics expertise required.
• Proficiency in computational tools (Unix, Python, R) and bioinformatics software relevant to microbiome research.
• Demonstrated expertise in both experimental and computational methods relevant to microbiome studies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of scientific publications.

Starting annual salary $67,744 - $77,488 depending on years of postdoctoral experience

• Medical, dental, vision hardware insurance
• Flexible spending accounts: health care, dependent care, commuter
• Short and long-term disability and life and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with matching funds after one year of employment
• PTO: 13 holidays, three weeks of vacation and two weeks of sick leave per year
• Employee assistance program
• Educational assistance program
• Subsidized bus pass
• YMCA rebate and other fitness club discounts
• Voluntary benefits, e.g., pet insurance, accident, critical illness, identify theft
• See benaroyaresearch.org for benefit details 

Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) has a bold mission: To predict, prevent, reverse and cure immune system diseases, from autoimmune disease to cancer to COVID-19. We examine the immune system in both health and disease 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 world-renowned independent nonprofit research institute affiliated with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and based in Seattle. We collaborate with clinicians to accelerate the path from innovative lab discoveries to life-changing patient care.

At BRI, each role is valued and an important contributor to our vision and mission. BRI is committed to a safe, caring and diverse workplace; as well as to taking action to further our commitments to foster inclusion, equity and belonging so employees feel comfortable bringing their full selves to work. 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 Facebook, Instagram, Threads,  LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status. If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 206-342-6972 or email jobs@benaroyaresearch.org