Careers
Come join us as we rewrite textbooks and redefine our understanding of biology.

Image adapted from Paul Gardner and Dodd, Mead, & Company
Paul Gardner and Dodd, Mead, & Company
Located in the biotech and biomedical research hub of Kendall Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Whitehead Institute is a world-renowed 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.
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.
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.
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
- 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
Child and Care Benefits
- Employer-paid basic life insurance and accident insurance
- Voluntary group life insurance
The cores, staffed by experts and providing state-of-the-art instrumentation and tools, allow our scientists to pursue more ambitious investigations. Our core facilities scientists are instrumental in pushing the boundaries of current research methods, tailoring techniques to the scientific question at hand.





