EDUCATION IS A LIFELONG PURSUIT
Perhaps the best thing about science is its limitlessness. There is always more to explore. More questions to ask. More possibilities to test. More data to uncover. At HMRI, we are perpetual students. We hope you are too, and we challenge you to dive deeper with us.
Perhaps the best thing about science is its limitlessness. There is always more to explore. More questions to ask. More possibilities to test. More data to uncover. At HMRI, we are perpetual students. We hope you are too, and we challenge you to dive deeper with us.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
HMRI offers two formal postdoctoral fellowship programs. With a mission of training and inspiring the next generation of independent researchers, HMRI provides postdoctoral scientists opportunities to perform cutting-edge research alongside our accomplished physician-scientists. In collaboration with programs like Caltech, the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine, and other collaborators fellows advance their studies through innovative projects, new technologies, multi-disciplinary collaborations, networking opportunities and high-impact publications—all in our vibrant, state-of-the-art research facility here in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in beautiful Pasadena.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
HMRI offers two formal postdoctoral fellowship programs. With a mission of training and inspiring the next generation of independent researchers, HMRI provides postdoctoral scientists opportunities to perform cutting-edge research alongside our accomplished physician-scientists. In collaboration with programs like Caltech, the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine, and other collaborators fellows advance their studies through innovative projects, new technologies, multi-disciplinary collaborations, networking opportunities and high-impact publications—all in our vibrant, state-of-the-art research facility here in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in beautiful Pasadena.
We are seeking highly creative and enthusiastic candidates to investigate scientific questions surrounding widespread health concerns. If you are committed to exploring unknowns, developing breakthrough therapies and improving lives, you could be part of one of our postdoctoral fellowship programs:
POST DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Opportunities for investigative scientific research include:
- Aging and Alzheimer's disease
- Chronic migraines
- Heart failure and heart attacks
- Brain Development
- Neuropsychiatric disease (mental illness)
- Heart development
Applicants must select and apply for one of the following programs based on research interests, expertise and career trajectory:
1) Aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) Research (Scientific Director: Dr. Robert A. Kloner): The project will investigate new mechanisms underlying the early stages of neurodegeneration associated with aging and AD. New tests to predict or detect early AD will be designed. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in neuroscience or cell biology, with experience in cellular/subcellular fractionation, western blot, immunoassay, and chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques. An interest in neurodegeneration will be highly valued.
2) Migraine Research (Scientific Director: Dr. Robert A. Kloner): Migraine is among the top 5 leading causes of "years lived with disability". The project will explore new fundamental mechanisms as to why and when a migraine starts and develop new treatment strategies. Studies will be conducted in animal models and patients. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in neuroscience, and expertise in rodent behavioral models, cell culture, immunohistochemical labeling, and gene expression techniques will be preferred.
3) Cardiovascular Research (Chief Science Officer and Scientific Director: Dr. Robert Kloner): The project will investigate new mechanisms and models in heart failure and cardiogenic shock and generate novel approaches to reduce cell death during heart attack. New pharmacologic therapies that protect the mitochondria during ischemia/reperfusion are a recent focus of the laboratory. In addition, the acute and chronic effects of the now popular electronic cigarette smoke or vaping on the cardiovascular system in normal young versus old hearts, as well as hearts with underlying heart disease will be carefully examined. Furthermore, the effect of pure nicotine on the heart will be studied. Candidates with a background in vascular and myocardial biology will be preferred. Experience in molecular and cell biology techniques, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and murine cardiac models are all considered strengths for this position.
4) Neuropsychiatric Disease Research (Scientific Director: Dr. Anju Vasudevan): Dr. Vasudevan has relocated her laboratory from McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School to HMRI (http://www.theabdl.org/). The project will investigate novel mechanisms underlying cell-autonomous programs that regulate endothelial and neuronal cell development in the forebrain, and uncover new causes for the origin of neuropsychiatric diseases like schizophrenia, autism, epilepsy and depression. The project will tap into the potential of CNS angiogenesis as a therapeutic source for recovery of neurological function in many diverse scenarios. The ideal candidate will have a relevant background either in neuroscience, developmental biology or cell biology with experience in endothelial cell culture, transgenic mouse models or stem cell biology.
5) Cardiovascular Research (Senior Research Scientist: Dr. Nicole Purcell): Dr. Purcell has relocated her laboratory from the University of California, San Diego to HMRI (https://profiles.ucsd.edu/nicole.purcell). The project will investigate a novel Ser/Thr phosphatase in the heart with age and following injury. In addition, the project will define the epigenetic mechanisms required for phosphatase mediated regulation of transcriptional changes that is important for cardiac homeostasis in young and aging mice. Using both in vitro and in vivo model systems we will determine novel targets that regulate cardiac growth and metabolic signaling with aging. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular and cellular biology with expertise in primary cell culture, cardiac mouse models, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and myocardial biology.
Applicants must have completed a PhD, an MD, or an MD, PhD program and may have no more than five years of research training or experience since obtaining a doctoral-level degree.
The initial appointment will be for two years with the possibility of extension. Salary is determined based on MD/PhD receipt date according to a set salary schedule, which begins at $54,080.00 up to a maximum of $59,000.00 plus benefits. Postdoctoral fellows will also receive up to $2,500 annually to support computing, travel and research needs.
Number of Years | Average Annual Salary |
Less than 1 year | $54,080.00 |
1 year | $54,500.00 |
2 years | $56,000.00 |
3 years | $57,500.00 |
4 years | $59,000.00 |
Applications are accepted through http://bit.ly/HMRIpostdocapp.
Application materials should include a cover letter with a brief summary of career goals and objectives, CV, copies of published abstracts or papers and three letters of recommendation. Private letters of recommendation can be submitted using this form: http://bit.ly/postdocletter
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.
HMRI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
JAMES BOSWELL POST DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP
The James Boswell Postdoctoral Fellowship was established in 1974 to strengthen collaborative research efforts between Caltech and HMRI. Boswell Postdoctoral Fellows hold joint appointments at Caltech and HMRI. The research projects conducted by the fellows are of mutual interest to both institutions.
Personnel from both Caltech and HMRI are members of the selection committee. The chair of the committee rotates between Caltech and HMRI every three years. The Caltech Postdoctoral Scholars Office provides administrative support for the committee. The current members of the fellowship selection committee are:
- Dr. Anju Vasudevan (Chair), Neurovascular Research, HMRI
- Dr. Alfred Fonteh, Neurosciences Research, HMRI
- Dr. Brian Stoltz, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Caltech
- Dr. Azita Emami, Engineering and Applied Science, Caltech
- Dr. Yuki Oka, Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech
- Dr. Robert Kloner, Cardiovascular Research, HMRI
The endowed funds that support these fellowships are managed by Caltech's Office of the Provost. Vice Provost Dr. Kaushik Bhattacharya currently serves as the principal investigator for the award. When spendable payout generated by the endowment is sufficient to support a postdoctoral scholar and there is mutual scientific interest between Caltech and HMRI, the selection committee convenes, and a search advertisement is placed. All candidate applications are reviewed by the committee and scientific interests are matched with mentors at both institutions.
When a Boswell Postdoctoral Fellow is selected, the Caltech Postdoctoral Scholars Office coordinates the appointment process (similar to prize fellowship appointments) with the appropriated divisions' academic affairs manager. Currently, Dr. Vasudevan is responsible for coordinating the HMRI affiliation.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program
HMRI has a long history of hosting the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, providing undergraduate students with educational, hands-on experience in biomedical research. The SURF program offers participants the opportunity to experience the day-to-day workings of a research laboratory and develop a better understanding of the scientific process. Each student is assigned to a specific project by one of HMRI's research faculty. The SURF program also provides each student with a stipend, safety training, and academic and professional enrichment workshops/seminars. At the end of the program, students give a presentation outlining their experience and research findings. Several of our SURF program alumni have gone on to be chairs of medical school departments and biomedical research institutes!

Due date for 2023 SURF program applications: March 1, 11:59 pm PST
Program dates:
SURF participants can choose either an 8-week option (meeting weekdays June 12 through August 4) or a 10-week option (meeting weekdays June 12 through August 18)
Stipend:
All students who are accepted and participate in the SURF program will receive a stipend ($4,800 for the 8-week option or $6,000 for the 10-week option).
Aspiring undergraduate scientists will work alongside HMRI scientists and be mentored by HMRI research faculty. Our program offers a variety of scientific research opportunities, including Alzheimer's disease, neurovascular, migraine, vaping and e-cigarette cardiac toxicity, and cardiovascular signaling laboratory-based research.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program
HMRI has a long history of hosting the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, providing undergraduate students with educational, hands-on experience in biomedical research. The SURF program offers participants the opportunity to experience the day-to-day workings of a research laboratory and develop a better understanding of the scientific process. Each student is assigned to a specific project by one of HMRI's research faculty. The SURF program also provides each student with a stipend, safety training, and academic and professional enrichment workshops/seminars. At the end of the program, students give a presentation outlining their experience and research findings. Several of our SURF program alumni have gone on to be chairs of medical school departments and biomedical research institutes!

Due date for 2023 SURF program applications: March 1, 11:59 pm PST
Program dates:
SURF participants can choose either an 8-week option (meeting weekdays June 12 through August 4) or a 10-week option (meeting weekdays June 12 through August 18)
Stipend:
All students who are accepted and participate in the SURF program will receive a stipend ($4,800 for the 8-week option or $6,000 for the 10-week option).
Aspiring undergraduate scientists will work alongside HMRI scientists and be mentored by HMRI research faculty. Our program offers a variety of scientific research opportunities, including Alzheimer's disease, neurovascular, migraine, vaping and e-cigarette cardiac toxicity, and cardiovascular signaling laboratory-based research.
- Applicants MUST be current undergraduate students enrolled in an academic program or prospective fall 2023 first-year graduate students (accepted in a postbaccalaureate, MS, PhD, or other graduate program).
- Applicants MUST be over 18 years of age.
- If accepted into the program, students are required to attend and participate Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, in Pasadena, California, from June 12 to August 4 (8-week option) or June 12 to August 18 (10-week option).
*Applicants do not need to be majoring in science. We encourage students with general biology and/or general chemistry knowledge and an interest in conducting biomedical research to apply.
*Housing and travel are not covered or provided.
You will be asked to supply:
- Contact Information
- Current school information
- Cover letter (upload)
- Resume (upload)
- Copy of college/university acceptance letter and most recent school transcript (upload)
Deadline to apply is March 1, 2023, 11:59 pm PST.
HIGH SCHOOL STEM PROGRAM
HMRI is thrilled to host Pasadena's biomedical High School STEM Program! Students will explore a new topic each week, complete with hands-on lab activities and guidance from our passionate and accomplished scientists. Our STEM program is open to rising juniors and seniors in the Pasadena Unified School District. We invite all budding scientists to apply! Please complete the online application and teacher recommendation by March 6, 2023, 11:59 pm PST.

Due date for 2023 High School STEM Program applications: March 6, 11:59 pm PST
Program dates:
June 19 to July 28
Students participate in either the morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm) or the afternoon (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm) program session, Mondays through Fridays.
Stipend:
All students who are accepted and participate in the STEM program will receive a $500 stipend and, if needed, a Metro TAP card for bus transportation.
Join us as we explore new and uncharted solutions to some of healthcare's biggest challenges, such as heart disease and Alzheimer's disease, and learn how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) play a role in biomedical research.
HIGH SCHOOL STEM PROGRAM
HMRI is thrilled to host Pasadena's biomedical High School STEM Program! Students will explore a new topic each week, complete with hands-on lab activities and guidance from our passionate and accomplished scientists. Our STEM program is open to rising juniors and seniors in the Pasadena Unified School District. We invite all budding scientists to apply! Please complete the online application and teacher recommendation by March 6, 2023, 11:59 pm PST.

Due date for 2023 High School STEM Program applications: March 6, 11:59 pm PST
Program dates:
June 19 to July 28
Students participate in either the morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm) or the afternoon (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm) program session, Mondays through Fridays.
Stipend:
All students who are accepted and participate in the STEM program will receive a $500 stipend and, if needed, a Metro TAP card for bus transportation.
Join us as we explore new and uncharted solutions to some of healthcare's biggest challenges, such as heart disease and Alzheimer's disease, and learn how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) play a role in biomedical research.
HIGH SCHOOL AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
HMRI's high school and undergraduate volunteer program is a service that we at HMRI are providing for current high school and undergraduate, aspiring scientists who would like to experience the research environment by working alongside top-level scientists at HMRI. Our students will gain insight into research through their volunteer time at HMRI and with HMRI collaborations. We maintain a variety of scientific disciplines at HMRI, some of which include research on Alzheimer's disease, Migraine, Vaping and e-cigarettes toxicity, and Cardiovascular signaling laboratory-based research.

Our student volunteer program is an exciting new approach at HMRI, where we concentrate our efforts on finding a good 'fit' for the students and their mentors in terms of domain expertise and motivation. We prefer to select students able to commit to HMRI research for a full year, which gives our volunteers extended knowledge in their respective fields of study. Students under good standing may continue in the lab longer with approval.
HIGH SCHOOL AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
HMRI's high school and undergraduate volunteer program is a service that we at HMRI are providing for current high school and undergraduate, aspiring scientists who would like to experience the research environment by working alongside top-level scientists at HMRI. Our students will gain insight into research through their volunteer time at HMRI and with HMRI collaborations. We maintain a variety of scientific disciplines at HMRI, some of which include research on Alzheimer's disease, Migraine, Vaping and e-cigarettes toxicity, and Cardiovascular signaling laboratory-based research.

Our student volunteer program is an exciting new approach at HMRI, where we concentrate our efforts on finding a good 'fit' for the students and their mentors in terms of domain expertise and motivation. We prefer to select students able to commit to HMRI research for a full year, which gives our volunteers extended knowledge in their respective fields of study. Students under good standing may continue in the lab longer with approval.
- Applicants MUST be current high school or undergraduate students enrolled in an academic program.
- We would prefer to select students who are willing to commit to HMRI research for at least a quarter/semester or up to 1 year.
- Applicant contact information
- Current school information
- Cover letter (upload)
- Resume (upload)
- Copy of college/university acceptance letter and/or most recent school transcript (upload)