Invent at Seattle Children’s Postdoctoral Scholars Program
The Invent at Seattle Children’s Postdoctoral Scholars Program is an investment in training early career scientists who are passionate about discovering novel therapeutics that could benefit children and young adults . Scholars will receive support to create new “discovered here” cellular, gene or protein therapeutics that ultimately advance to clinical trials for children, all while preparing for careers in the biotech industry or academia.
Program at a Glance
- $45 million committed to educating postdoctoral scholars, with a pledge by Seattle Children’s to raise an additional $10 million
- Approximately 50 postdoctoral scholarships will be offered during the first five years.
- Recruiting efforts focused on building a community of scholars who are committed to ensuring that scientific advancements and biomedical research benefit everyone.
- $80,000/year starting salary plus benefits
- Relocation support within policy guidelines
- $10,000 professional development fund for each scholar
- Educational opportunities through the University of Washington; University of California, San Diego; and Invent at Seattle Children’s programming
- Each scholar has a laboratory, clinical and biotech mentor
- $5 million available for technology commercialization grants
- Initial appointment is for three years
- Funding opportunities in years four and five to bridge to company formation or faculty positions
- Support for patenting, licensing and biotech company formation
Is the Invent at Seattle Children’s Postdoctoral Scholars Program right for you?
More than half of PhD biomedical scientists enter industry instead of academia, yet few are properly trained in therapeutic discovery and development, the business side of biotechnology, or a team science approach with milestone-driven goals. Invent at Seattle Children’s scholars will receive support from faculty who have collectively spun out more than 25 biotech companies yet remain rooted in a rich academic setting. Faculty are based at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, University of Washington, Fred Hutch Cancer Center and Benaroya Research Institute.
Learn More
To learn more about this unique program, fill out an interest form to be invited to our next information session. Following the meeting, attendees will receive a link to apply to the program.
Additional Details
Meet Our Scholars
The Invent at Seattle Children’s Postdoctoral Scholars Program supports talented young scientists who are addressing the challenge of curing pediatric diseases by providing them with extensive education, mentorship, biotech infrastructure and financial resources. Learn more about this unique program and how to apply.
Meet Stephen
Stephen Carney, PhD, is a postdoctoral scholar whose passion for science began with a curiosity about cellular behavior – how cells respond to changes and the processes that lead to cancer.
Meet Elzani and Natasha
Infectious disease research isn’t just about test tubes and datasets — it’s about relationships. Drs. Elzani van Zyl and Natasha Bourgeois are finding that supportive community as Invent at Seattle Children’s scholars.
Meet Jeffrey
Originally from Ghana, Jeffrey Amoako Mensah, PhD, joined the Invent at Seattle Children's scholars program to further his research in investigating innovative therapies for childhood neurological diseases, including epilepsy.
Meet Akinsola
Akinsola Oyelakin, PhD, is an Invent at Seattle Children’s scholar working to develop a drug to help prevent the progression of schizophrenia.