Postdoctoral Research Associate
Institution: Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, Washington State
Location: Seattle, Washington State, US • Fully funded position • Application deadline: 3 October 2026
About the role
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 position focuses on:
- 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
- Conceptualize and execute experiments, perform data analysis, and maintain laboratory records.
- Prepare and present experimental results orally and in writing.
- Collaborate with other staff members on project discussions, experiment implementation, and manuscript/grant preparation.
- May involve oversight or supervision of technicians or graduate students.
Qualifications
- PhD or MD/PhD in Immunology or a related field with a deep understanding of mucosal immunology (required).
- Expertise in murine models of intestinal immunity and inflammation, high-parameter flow cytometry, and molecular biology (desired).
- Experience with bioinformatics-based analysis of transcriptomics and epigenetics datasets (preferable but not essential).
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Applicants with 3 years or less of postdoctoral experience preferred.
Pay
$80,182 - $83,000 per year, depending on years of postdoctoral experience.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and 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.