The Fred Hutch Cancer Center Postdoctoral Research Fellows Program 2026 is a specialized fellowship designed for MD or PhD scientists focusing on immunology and hematopoietic stem cell biology. Based in Seattle, the program centers on cord blood transplantation and immune reconstitution research. Fellows are responsible for high-level tasks including NGS analysis, T cell functional assays, and clinical trial sample tracking. The position offers a competitive annual salary range of $80,172 to $95,014, depending on experience. Successful candidates will receive intensive mentorship to transition from guided research to independent scientific leadership, culminating in grant submissions and peer-reviewed publications.
Fred Hutch Postdoctoral Fellowship Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Fred Hutch Cancer Center |
| Research Field | Immunology & Stem Cell Biology |
| Location | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Salary Range | $80,172 – $95,014 per annum |
| Target Candidates | PhD or MD/PhD Scientists |
| Application Deadline | Unspecified (Rolling Basis Recommended) |
Fred Hutch Cancer Center Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
The Fred Hutch Postdoctoral Program utilizes a collaborative research model that integrates bench science with clinical application.
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The program is specifically structured to support the career trajectory of early-career scientists through three tiers of professional development and compensation.
Benefits of Fred Hutch Cancer Center Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
Tier 1: Advanced Research & Leadership (Up to $95,014)
- Project Leadership: Candidates with significant post-doctoral experience or specialized MD/PhD backgrounds are eligible for the upper salary bracket, leading complex NGS and single-cell RNA sequencing initiatives.
- Grant & Publication Track: Mentors provide direct support for fellows to submit high-impact first-author papers and independent grant applications (K-series or equivalent).
Tier 2: Specialized Clinical & Wet-Lab Integration
- Clinical Interface: Access to patient samples from active clinical trials, focusing on SRA protocols and Phase I/II trial data.
- Technical Mastery: Specialized training in lentiviral modification of T cells, TCR signaling pathways, and advanced flow cytometry.
Tier 3: Core Competency & Mentorship Foundation
- Standard Postdoctoral Stipend: Competitive base salary starting at $80,172, ensuring financial security while focusing on foundational research.
- Mentorship & Supervision: Fellows take on leadership roles in the lab by mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, preparing them for faculty-level responsibilities.
Eligibility Requirements for Fred Hutch Cancer Center Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must hold an MD and/or a PhD in biological sciences with a specific emphasis on immunology or stem cell biology. Strong scientific writing skills and the ability to synthesize innovative ideas are mandatory.
- Study Status: This is a postdoctoral-level position. Candidates must have completed their terminal degree and demonstrate proficiency in molecular bench work (PCR, cloning, vector design) and cell culture.
- Visa Status: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States; Fred Hutch typically provides support for relevant research visas (J-1/H-1B) for qualified international scientists.
- Program Admission: Proficiency in flow cytometry and biostatistics (R or Python) is highly preferred. The candidate must be comfortable working at the interface of wet-lab experimentation and quantitative data analysis.
How to Apply for Fred Hutch Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 (Step by Step)
- Prepare Research Portfolio: Gather your CV, a statement of research interests focusing on immunology/cord blood, and contact information for three academic references.
- Submit Online Application: Access the Fred Hutch careers portal to submit your formal application and academic transcripts.
- Interview & Technical Review: Selected candidates will undergo a series of interviews, including a technical review of their previous research and a presentation to the lab team.
- Formal Offer & Onboarding: Following a successful review and reference check, candidates will receive a formal offer letter detailing their specific salary and mentorship plan.
Application Deadline: Unspecified (Active Hiring)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the primary research focus of this postdoc fellowship?
The program focuses on immunology and hematopoietic stem cell biology, specifically relating to cord blood transplantation and immune reconstitution.
2. What is the starting salary for the 2026 program?
The base salary starts at $80,172 and can go up to $95,014 based on the candidate’s prior experience and specific qualifications.
3. Are MDs without a PhD eligible to apply?
Yes, the program welcomes MD scientists with strong training in immunology and research motivation.
4. What technical skills are most valued?
Flow cytometry, cell sorting, NGS (Single cell RNA sequencing), and experience with R or Python for biostatistics are highly valued.
5. Does Fred Hutch provide mentorship for grant writing?
Yes, a core responsibility of the fellow is to write and submit grants with close scientific mentorship to develop independence.
6. Is this a permanent position?
No, it is a postdoctoral research fellowship designed to train scientists for transition into independent research or faculty roles.
7. Where is the Fred Hutch Cancer Center located?
The center is located in Seattle, Washington, a major hub for biotechnology and cancer research.
8. Will I be involved in clinical trials?
Yes, fellows study the function and persistence of T cells in clinical trial patients and work closely with clinicians.
9. Are international applicants accepted?
Yes, international scientists with the required MD/PhD qualifications and eligibility for US research visas are encouraged to apply.
10. How are applications reviewed if there is no deadline?
Applications are generally reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible as positions are filled when a suitable candidate is identified.
