Join Us
Training
We train energetic, creative, and diverse researchers from around the world at all career stages. Located at the University of Washington in Seattle, our Member Labs are led by professors who have access to the latest ideas, software, and instruments in their fields.
Undergraduates
Summer research — and beyond
Whether you attend at the University of Washington or another school, there are several ways for undergraduates to conduct research with us. Students from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.
Graduate Students
Earn your doctorate
Located at the University of Washington in Seattle, the Institute for Protein Design is a unique interdisciplinary environment where world-class researchers create new biomolecules. Your work here will not only support scientific inquiry but also has the potential to make a real difference in global health and sustainability.
We accept graduate student researchers from several departments and programs at the University of Washington, including:
Biochemistry
Bioengineering
Biological Physics, Structure, and Design
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Computer Science
Genome Sciences
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Molecular Engineering
Physics
To conduct research with us, you must be enrolled in one of these UW programs (or be a visitor enrolled elsewhere). You may apply to more than one.
Please contact the programs you are interested in to learn more.
Postdoctoral Scholars
Pioneer new research
Note: To apply for a postdoc position at the IPD, please email the professor you’re interested in working with and begin a formal application in parallel. Learn more about all our Member Labs on our Faculty & Staff page.
The Department of Biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine has ongoing opportunities for postdoctoral scholars to join the Institute for Protein Design in Seattle. We’re creating new proteins that solve modern challenges in medicine, technology, and sustainability. Our unique interdisciplinary environment allows researchers with expertise in computing science, biochemistry, immunology, and other disciplines to both computationally design and experimentally characterize novel biomolecules. Current projects include the design of novel therapeutics for cancer, neurological diseases, and more, as well as new vaccines, nanomaterials, and enzymes.
This is a full-time position with a 12-month service period, with the possibility for yearly renewal dependent upon performance and continued funding. The position will start as it becomes available and is open until filled.
Successful candidates will conduct research to computationally design and experimentally characterize novel biomolecules. Additional responsibilities include:
- Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
- Participating in and contributing to regular lab meetings
- Writing and publishing results in scientific journals
- Presenting research results to peers and at conferences
- Participating in professional development activities including DEI efforts
The base salary range for this position will be $5,705 to $7,084 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include a $5000 one-time relocation payment to eligible selected candidates.
A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.
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.
Qualifications
Ph.D. or foreign equivalent in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related biosciences, or Computer Science and related fields.
Application Instructions
Please provide a cover letter, CV, research statement, and DEI statement.
Employment
Joining our team means becoming part of one of the largest and most innovative public universities in the world. Your work here will support scientific inquiry and has the potential to make a real difference in global health and sustainability.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, or registration.
Open Positions
→ Search the keyword “IPD” on the UW hiring portal to see up-to-date information.
Application Process
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Don’t see the perfect opening?
Write to us at contact@ipd.uw.edu. We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals.