Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world's deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. These values are grounded in and expressed through the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an anti-racist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, anti-racism and inclusion.

The Research Technician I will support projects studying persistence of the HIV reservoir in cohorts of Kenyan infants and children, as well as vaccine responses in HIV-exposed uninfected children. Lab tasks include PCR, multiplex ELISAs, illumina sequencing, droplet digital PCR, nucleic acid extraction from patient samples, cloning, virus and cell culture. Data and samples must be well-organized and precisely tracked.

Under the direction and close supervision of the Principal Investigator or higher-level laboratory personnel in the lab, the incumbent will gain practical experience in the following areas:

• coordinating and performing experiments for a research laboratory that focuses on virology and immune responses to viral infections
• performing molecular biology techniques including molecular cloning, nucleic acid extractions, PCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, illumina sequencing, virus culture, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology techniques such as PCR, RT-PCR, and ddPCR
• Perform nucleic acid extractions from patient samples
• Prepare libraries for illumina sequencing
• Perform immune assays including ELISAs and multiplex ELISAs
• Assist with molecular cloning and tissue culture for a variety of projects
• Organization of patient sample inventories
• Maintain excellent laboratory records and verify the accuracy of the data
• Data analysis
• Present experimental results in both oral and written reports
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS required with extensive knowledge of cell and molecular biology
• Demonstrated scientific knowledge of HIV virology and immunology
• Demonstrated basic laboratory skills, including molecular techniques such as PCR, cloning, and nucleic acid extraction

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Willingness to work with clinical specimens and biohazardous/infectious agents (BSL2+)
• Highly detail oriented and self-motivated
• Must demonstrate exquisite organizational skills, laboratory precision, reliability, communication skills and work initiative required to operate with minimal daily supervision
• Scientific knowledge of virology and immunology
• Interest in research at the interface of basic science and public health
• Previous laboratory experience (experiment design, execution, optimization, troubleshooting, data analysis)
• Lab management (inventory, ordering, equipment maintenance, etc.)
• Virology
• Next generation sequencing library preparation and analysis
• Handling of BSL2 pathogens and tissue culture
• Basic knowledge of programming language (Python, R, etc.)

Inclusion of a cover letter explaining your interest in this position is strongly encouraged

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your career or that will be made through your work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $22.87 to $32.56 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (13 days per year), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 6 months).

Our Commitment to Diversity