Frequently Asked Questions
A: You are eligible to apply if you anticipate receiving a PhD in a relevant field (for example, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, etc.) in the next 12 months, or if you have earned a PhD in a relevant field within the past three years. If you have already been a postdoctoral scholar in an Invent at Seattle Children’s mentor’s laboratory for more than nine months, you are not eligible for salary support through the Invent at Seattle Children’s program, but you may be eligible to be an affiliate member of the program. Please email us if you are interested in affiliate status, which would provide access to education programs, biotech mentors and other resources.
A: Most positions will be offered to U.S. citizens or individuals who hold a green card or visa that enables them to complete postdoctoral studies in the U.S. In some cases, exceptional candidates will be offered acceptance to the program that is contingent upon securing an appropriate visa. In these situations, Seattle Children’s will assist the applicant with the visa application process.
A: Yes, you may apply up to 12 months before your planned thesis defense date.
A: We will hold your spot for approximately three months after your dissertation date. If you need to stay in your graduate school lab for a longer period to complete a manuscript, please email us to request a delayed start date.
A: We want scholars in the program to be here by choice. An acceptance to the program does not obligate you to join the program – you are encouraged to look at other possibilities and make the right choice for you. Typically, we will hold your spot for up to 90 days.
A: Applicants are admitted to the Invent at Seattle Children’s Postdoctoral Scholars Program, not to an individual lab. If a lab or project is not working out, scholars are welcome to reach out to the program director or program manager to seek either resolution of specific problems or a transfer to a different laboratory.
A: The program commits to providing three years of salary and benefits contingent on adequate progress each year. Progress will be evaluated by scholars and mentors with final decisions made by the program director and program leadership team.
A: There are two possible mechanisms for funding in Years 4 or 5. Scholars who are on track to establish a biotech company may apply for Washington Research Foundation funding for years 4 or 5 during which time they can focus on company-formation activities such as preparing and pitching concepts to potential investors, seeking regulatory or manufacturing guidance, writing small business grants, or developing a clinical plan. With mutual consent, the scholar is welcome to continue conducting experiments or managing experiments in the mentor’s lab.
For individuals who excel in years 1-3 and are interested in pursuing a faculty position at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, the institute’s Excellence in Research New Investigator Awards for underrepresented minorities in research is an option, provided that candidates meet research institute requirements for the award and receive the award through the application process.
A: Yes, to a limit. Please contact us for information about relocation support.
A: Postdoctoral scholars working at Seattle Children’s Research Institute can apply for Affiliate Membership if they are working on “Discovered Here” therapeutic candidates that have potential to evolve into agents that will be tested in children through human clinical trials. More details about eligibility and an application can be found here.
A: Postdoctoral scholars with affiliate membership receive a stipend of up to $3,000/year for up to 3 years for professional development, matching with a biotech and clinical mentor and the opportunity to participate in educational and professional development events hosted by Invent at Seattle Children’s and its’ partners.