We will not be holding a 2025 Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium.
To discover research opportunities for postdocs in the division, don't miss the Seattle DROP event occurring Tuesday, May 6th, 2025.
Click here for an up-to-date list of current postdoc openings in the division.
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 Pathfinders: Basic sciences Postdoc Symposium is a fully funded, three-day visit that 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.
ON THIS PAGE
About the Symposium | Labs in Basic Sciences | Application Information | Symposium Organizers
We will not be holding a 2025 Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium. Please check back next year for future event details. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Symposium Overview
Day 1:
- Arrive in Seattle
Day 2:
- 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:
- Basic Sciences Division Retreat
- Faculty Presentations
- 1:1 Meetings with Faculty
Day 4:
- 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
We will not be holding a 2025 Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium. Please check back next year for future event details.
For questions, please contact pathfinders@fredhutch.org.
Akhila Rajan
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, 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, 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 is a research administration manager for the Basic Sciences Division. She is co-symposium manager for the Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium.
Matthew Ross
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.