Careers, Culture and Benefits
Come join us as we rewrite textbooks and redefine our understanding of biology.
Located in the biotech and biomedical research hub of Kendall Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Whitehead Institute is a world-renowned nonprofit research and educational institution that has pushed the cutting-edge of research since 1982.
Whitehead Institute's scientists are world-famous for their discoveries in genetics, genomics, stem cells, cancer, and developmental biology. Come join us as we rewrite textbooks and redefine our understanding of biology.
At Whitehead Institute, scientists, administration, and support staff work together to push the boundaries of developmental biology forward. Gatherings, such as weekly coffee hours and the annual scientific retreat, increase the cross-pollenation of ideas from scientists working in disparate labs. When paired with Whitehead Institute's unsurpassed supportive environment, the results are breathtaking: Together, we are gaining insights into how tissues regenerate and organize, how the physical structure of DNA affects drugs' effectiveness, and how to identify medicinal compounds in understudied plant species.
Whithead Institute: a closer look
Foundational research at Whitehead Institute
Amazing research depends on amazing people — Faculty, postdocs, graduate students, staff, and administration — all working together. Below are links to the stories of people who make Whitehead Institute such a singular place to work.
Postdoc Profiles
Beyond the Lab Bench
Alum Profile
Whitehead Institute News
The Whitehead Institute believes diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are integral to its values and mission. As a research Institute dedicated to improving human health through biomedical science, we believe that diverse thought invokes creative inquiry, drives innovation, and fuels scientific breakthrough. We welcome all individuals of all backgrounds including race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, veterans status, national origin, disability, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status and/or origin. Our commitments include:
- Improving hiring, retention and promotion of diverse talent
- Creating and maintain an inclusive culture that promotes physical and mental well-being and respect for all Whitehead community members.
- Developing partnerships to increase engagement and outreach with local communities to improve accessibility particularly for individuals from groups underrepresented in biomedical science
- Encouraging open dialogue and facilitating learning opportunities to address DE&I topics which are available to the entire Whitehead community.
Whitehead Institute's Rewards and Recognition program highlights the excellence that exist in all areas and job functions across the Institute. Monthly Appreciation Awards are an opportunity for colleagues to highlight an individual outstanding act, and annual Whitehead Spirit Awards recognize consistent exceptional service throughout the year.
In addition to competitive compensation, Whitehead Institute offers its postdocs and other employees generous benefits, a few of which are highlighted below.
Health and welfare plans
- Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees, spouses, and domestic partnerships, and dependents
- On-demand health care
- Annual flu clinic on site
Life and other insurance
- Employer-paid basic life insurance and accident insurance
- Voluntary group life insurance
Retirement
- Whitehead Institute offers a variety of programs to assist you with savings and retirement goals, including two Retirement Plans and a Retiree Medical Plan.
Child and care benefits
- Employer-paid basic life insurance and accident insurance
- Voluntary group life insurance
The Innovation Centers, staffed by experts and providing state-of-the-art instrumentation and tools, allow our scientists to pursue more ambitious investigations. Our Innovation Center scientists are instrumental in pushing the boundaries of current research methods, tailoring techniques to the scientific question at hand.
