Careers

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Seattle, WA—May 4, 2020

Washington Research Foundation (WRF) is now accepting applications for 10 three-year postdoctoral fellowships beginning in 2021.
WRF Postdoctoral Fellows carry out research projects of their own design that address areas of critical public need. Their research, primarily in life-science STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields, is conducted at an eligible institution in Washington state with the goal of achieving considerable advances in technologies that will provide public benefit. WRF has supported cutting-edge research at the state’s top organizations since 1981 through its licensing, grant-making and venture investment programs.
The new Fellows will be the fourth annual cohort chosen by a committee led by David Galas, Ph.D., a WRF director and senior investigator at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute (PNRI). Galas, a renowned biologist, geneticist and physicist, is the inaugural chair of the group that will screen, interview and select the new cohort of Fellows.

“We’re encouraging applicants to propose ambitious and creative projects that could make a significant positive impact. These awards are tied to the Fellows, rather than a specific institution, and offer three years of funding to help them achieve important research milestones. The flexibility of the award allows applicants to really consider which institute and lab will offer them the best chance of success in their projects,” said Galas.
Ron Howell, CEO of WRF, emphasized the potential impact of the Fellows’ work. “Our grants support scientists and innovators. Researchers working on complex problems in life sciences sometimes envision solutions to problems which are just beyond their reach without help. In our decades of grant-making, we’ve found that by providing resources for the right teams with the right strategies, we can sometimes accelerate solutions to important problems. Ultimately, we hope that innovative, much-needed products and services will reach the public as a result of the work the Fellows are carrying out,” said Howell.

Martha Zepeda Rivera, Ph.D., began her WRF Postdoctoral Fellowship at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in January. Zepeda Rivera, who is investigating the roles of specific bacteria and the onset, persistence and treatment outcomes of colorectal cancer (CRC), said, “My WRF fellowship is providing me with invaluable scientific freedom to apply creative, high-risk and high-reward approaches to identify CRC contributors. CRC is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second most common cancer in Washington. This work could lead to discoveries that unveil novel therapeutic targets and inform patient treatment regimes.”
In addition to receiving three years of financial support, Fellows are encouraged to participate in WRF-hosted lectures and networking events to strengthen the local research and entrepreneurial communities, and to attend national and international conferences in their fields.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder)
• Must have completed a doctorate from an accredited graduate program prior to commencement of their Fellowship. Preference will be given to applicants who gained their PhDs on or after July 1, 2019
• Can have a background in any STEM field, but preference will be given to applicants whose project proposals are in life sciences and enabling technologies
• If selected, must be available to attend an interview in Seattle on September 26 or 27, 2020, at WRF’s discretion. WRF will provide a travel allowance. Videoconference interviews might replace in-person interviews if necessary due to COVID-19
• Must have an institution and lab chosen prior to their interview, if selected

Closing Date: end of the day on Sunday, June 21, 2020

The application period will close on Sunday, June 21. Fellows can choose from four start dates

in 2021.

• Following a review of all completed applications by the selection committee, an in-person interview will be offered to each shortlisted candidate. Applicants will be notified in early August if they have been shortlisted
• In-person interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place in Seattle on September 26 and 27, 2020. Videoconference interviews might replace in-person interviews if necessary due to COVID-19
• Successful candidates will be notified that they have received a WRF Postdoctoral Fellowship in October 2020

Washington Research Foundation values diversity

We’re an equal opportunity employer and advocate. We respect diverse perspectives and experiences, and value the contributions of people from all backgrounds.

Contact Us

If you have further questions, please contact us at postdoc@wrfseattle.org.