Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium

Pathfinders: Basic Sciences Postdoc Symposium at Fred Hutch

Postdoc Engagement and Recruitment Event at Fred Hutch Basic Sciences

The Basic Sciences Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center invite Ph.D. (or equivalent) students within two years of graduation or who have graduated within the past year to apply for a postdoc recruitment symposium at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA.

The 2024 Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium will take place September 12-14th. This fully funded, three-day visit allows prospective postdoctoral fellows the opportunity to explore the breadth of research in the Basic Sciences Division at Fred Hutch. Candidates accepted into the program will give an oral presentation of their work, hear from Fred Hutch scientists, and have opportunities to engage in scientific discussions with Fred Hutch faculty and trainees. Following the symposium, participants can apply for open positions in labs of interest.


How to Apply

Application Closed for Fall 2024. Selected participants for the Fall 2024 symposium will be notified by August 9th. See the application page for additional details. For questions, please contact pathfinders@fredhutch.org.

Eligibility

Applications are open to students from all scientific fields interested in pursuing postdoctoral training in basic sciences. Ph.D. (or equivalent) students within two years of graduation or that have graduated within the past year. Both domestic and international students (subject to visa/visa waiver requirements for non-US applicants) are encouraged to apply.  

About the Symposium

Participants will have the opportunity to share their research, learn about faculty research programs, network with Fred Hutch postdocs and faculty, learn about the postdoctoral training environment and attend the annual Basic Sciences Division Retreat.

Basic Sciences Retreat group photo

The Basic Sciences Division

Basic science discoveries underlie the innovative cures and treatments we develop at Fred Hutch. Our research teams strive to understand the normal molecular functioning of cells as well as the disruption that causes complex diseases like cancer and HIV infection.

Founded in 1981, the Basic Sciences Division has since expanded to include more than 30 laboratory groups that explore topics as diverse as regulation of cell division and mechanisms controlling wound repair. Our research has yielded a number of landmark breakthroughs and scientific advances, including two Nobel Prize-winning discoveries that may inform new approaches to cancer treatment. Grounded in a steadfast commitment to scientific excellence and bold creativity, the Basic Sciences Division encourages robust, ongoing collaboration among divisions, laboratories, and clinical researchers.

Learn About Basic Sciences at Fred Hutch
Dr. Richard Adeyemi

Participating Labs

The Basic Sciences Division believes in the merit of curiosity-driven research. Each lab sets their scientific agenda and direction to maximize their creativity to make discoveries of fundamental importance.

Research in the division spans the etiology and epigenetics for cancer; structural and computational biology; metabolism and stress response; cell and developmental biology; virology, immunology, and the microbiota. Students interested in individual or inter-disciplinary research are both encouraged to apply. 

Applicants will be asked to list up to five labs of interest.

Learn About the Labs in the Basic Sciences Division

2024 Symposium Overview

Day 1 – September 11:

  • Arrive in Seattle  

Day 2 – September 12:

  • Prospective Postdocs Presentations
  • Lunch with Basic Sciences Faculty / Postdocs
  • Basic Sciences Postdoc presentations
  • Basic Sciences Division Retreat Poster Session
  • 1:1 Meetings with Faculty
  • Dinner with Fred Hutch Postdocs

Day 3 – September 13:

  • Basic Sciences Division Retreat
  • Faculty Presentations
  • 1:1 Meetings with Faculty

Day 4 – September 14:

  • Participants are Free to Explore the Seattle Area
  • Departure

What is Included for Participants

  • Roundtrip flight to Seattle

  • Up to 3 nights in a hotel

  • Meals + Ground transportation

 

Important Dates

Application Closed for Fall 2024

  • Application deadline: July 8 2024 
  • Notifications sent: By August 9 2024
  • Program Dates: September 12-14 (September 11 - optional early arrival)

 

Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium Organizers

For questions, please contact pathfinders@fredhutch.org.
Akhila Rajan

Akhila Rajan

Associate Professor, Fred Hutch Basic Sciences Division

Akhila Rajan, PhD, is an associate professor in the Basic Sciences Division studying the neurobiology of obesity. She is co-organizer of the Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium.

Manu Setty

Manu Setty

Assistant Professor, Fred Hutch Basic Sciences Division

Manu Setty, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Basic Sciences Division studying cell lineage and fate. He is co-organizer of the Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium.

Christopher Lapointe

Christopher Lapointe

Assistant Proffesor, Fred Hutch Basic Sciences Division

Christopher Lapointe, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Basic Sciences Division studying protein synthesis. He is co-organizer of the Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium.

Katrina Akioka

Katrina Akioka

Research Administation Manager, Fred Hutch Basic Sciences Division

Katrina Akioka is a research administation manager for the Basic Sciences Division. She is co-symposium manager for the Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium.

Matthew Ross

Matthew Ross

Senior Science Writer and Scientific Communications Liaison, Fred Hutch Basic Sciences Division

Matthew Ross, PhD, is a senior science writer and the scientific communications liaison for the Basic Sciences Division. He is co-symposium manager for the Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium.