Research Technician I

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.

 

This research opportunity is with the McElrath laboratory, HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) and Coronavirus Prevention Network (CoVPN).  The HVTN’s mission is to facilitate the process of testing preventive vaccines against HIV/AIDS or other infectious diseases. The organization conducts all phases of clinical trials from evaluating experimental vaccines for safety and the ability to stimulate immune responses through to testing vaccine efficacy. The HVTN laboratory is responsible for conducting laboratory-based studies to evaluate the immunogenicity of investigational vaccines.

 

The McElrath lab is recruiting a Research Technician I to primarily perform assays to characterize antiviral T and B-cell responses. The technician will be expected to perform complex research assays, utilizing flow cytometry to evaluate vaccine-induced cellular immune responses in vaccine recipients participating in clinical trials of investigational vaccines for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis (MTB), and Ebola. They will be responsible for performing and coordinating the assays with other technicians and analyzing the data.  They will interpret and report on experimental results and assist with data presentation. They will assist in writing laboratory SOPs, reports, and other documentation.  They will report to a Staff Scientist and work closely with a technical team.

• Maintain a high level of accuracy for all work.
• Work well as team member, participate in positive communication, and foster an environment that allows all laboratory staff to work well together.
• Independently perform flow cytometry, FACS sorting, and other experimental assays.
• Perform flow cytometry for characterization and monitoring of T and B cell responses.
• Proactively prepare reagents for experiments and for general lab use.
• Troubleshoot and optimize experimental methods, results and analysis.
• Maintain accurate documentation for experiments and quality control for the laboratory.
• Carry out maintenance, troubleshooting and QC of laboratory equipment.
• May perform data analysis, interpretation, and statistical analyses.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS in a scientific field.
• Must have scientific knowledge in the area of study and basic laboratory skills.
• Independent research experience outside of laboratory course work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Willingness to work with biohazardous/infectious agents (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, including HIV-1).
• Flexibility and willingness to work some evenings and weekends. 
• Specific experience with flow cytometry, immunology, and cellular assays. 
• Motivation, adaptability, and ability to be a strong team player are essential, as is a keen interest in the HIV vaccine field.  
• The candidate must be someone with great attention to details, well-organized, self-motivated, and able to efficiently manage time and experiments.
• Experience in a GLP or GCLP setting or clinical experience, with strong documentation skills. 

To apply, please submit a thoroughly completed application and a cover letter including at least two professional references.

 

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.

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The hourly pay range for this position is from $22.21 to $31.61 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.  

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). 

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.