Job Description

The Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Washington invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the Moon Laboratory conducting research in cancer and radiation biology, with an anticipated start date of January 2027. We seek applicants who demonstrate commitment to excellence in research and service in a diverse and inclusive academic community.

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

The base salary range for this position will be $5,705 - $6,372 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

The successful candidate will contribute to both major research areas in the laboratory, spanning tumor metastasis and metabolism as well as FLASH radiation biology. We are particularly interested in candidates with a broad experimental background who are comfortable integrating molecular, cellular, and in vivo approaches across different biological questions.

Creative and critical thinking are essential. The Postdoctoral Scholar will be expected to contribute intellectually to project development, independently design and troubleshoot experiments, and help shape new research directions as the laboratory grows.

Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Scholar will independently design, conduct, analyze, and interpret mechanistic studies using molecular, cellular, and in vivo cancer models.

Research activities may include:

Investigating molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying tumor progression and metastasis
Studying tumor and normal tissue responses to conventional and FLASH radiation
Developing and characterizing in vitro and in vivo tumor models
Performing molecular and cellular studies of gene regulation, signaling, metabolism, and protein function
Conducting mouse tumor, metastasis, and radiation studies
Integrating molecular, metabolic, and physiological data to identify mechanisms with potential translational relevance
Presenting research findings at national and international scientific meetings
Preparing manuscripts for publication
Contributing to collaborative studies and grant applications
Mentoring students and junior researchers as appropriate
The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop scientific independence and establish a research direction that can contribute to their future career.

Our laboratory investigates how the tumor microenvironment and metabolic alterations shape cancer progression, metastasis, and responses to radiation therapy. We are particularly interested in understanding fundamental mechanisms of tumor adaptation and translating these discoveries into new approaches for cancer treatment.

The laboratory currently develops two major research programs:

Metastasis and tumor metabolism: We investigate how metabolic alterations influence tumor progression and metastatic adaptation, with particular interests in lipid metabolism, hypoxia, redox biology, and the tumor microenvironment. Our goal is to identify molecular and metabolic mechanisms that enable cancer cells to survive, adapt, and colonize distant tissues.

FLASH radiation biology: We investigate the biological mechanisms underlying responses to ultra-high dose-rate FLASH radiotherapy. Current studies focus on understanding how iron metabolism and redox states influence tumor and normal tissue responses to FLASH and conventional radiation, with the goal of identifying biological determinants and potential biomarkers of radiation response.

Research Environment

The Moon Laboratory is located within the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and is closely connected with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center research community.

The research environment provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across radiation biology, cancer metabolism, tumor metastasis, tumor microenvironment, medical physics, and clinical oncology. Researchers will have access to shared research resources and opportunities to interact with basic, translational, and clinical investigators across UW and Fred Hutch.

The laboratory particularly values an environment in which postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to develop their own scientific ideas, participate actively in collaborations, and build the intellectual and technical foundation for their future independent careers.

Positive factors

Positive factors include a strong background in experimental cancer biology and proficiency in a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques. Experience may include:

Mammalian cell culture and functional cell-based assays
Molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and gene expression analysis
Gene manipulation approaches, including knockdown, knockout, or overexpression
Flow cytometry and fluorescence-based assays
Transcriptional regulation, chromatin analysis, or protein interaction studies
Microscopy and immunohistochemistry
Genomic, transcriptomic, or other sequencing-based approaches
Experience with in vivo cancer models, including xenograft, syngeneic, or experimental metastasis models, is highly desirable.

Previous research experience in tumor metastasis, cancer metabolism, lipid or iron metabolism, ferroptosis, hypoxia, tumor microenvironment, or radiation biology would be particularly relevant to the laboratory's research programs.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Strong scientific curiosity and motivation
Critical and independent thinking
Strong experimental and analytical skills
Ability to design experiments and troubleshoot independently
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment
Strong written and oral communication skills
A record of scientific productivity appropriate to career stage
Qualifications
Applicants must have earned a PhD (or foreign equivalent) in Cancer Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Radiation Biology, Metabolism or related field by the date of appointment.

Application Instructions
To ensure full consideration of your application, please submit all materials no later than November 30, 2026. Applications will only be accepted via Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/195074. The position will remain open until filled.

Applications should include the following materials:

- a cover letter of no more than 2 pages detailing your interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and experiences

- a curriculum vitae

Applicants should articulate how their past experiences and/or future plans in research that promotes a sense of belonging and fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Please also include contact information for at least 3 referees who are prepared to provide letters of recommendation upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Equal Opportunity

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

Benefits Information

The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.

Privacy Notice

Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW’s Privacy Policy.

Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].