Staff Scientist

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. 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.

The Paulovich Lab at Fred Hutch (http://research.fhcrc.org/paulovich/en.html) is an interdisciplinary team whose mission is to develop and implement tools for protein quantification to enable precision medicine via patient selection and characterization of novel therapeutic targets. The lab has a major focus on mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics (both untargeted and targeted), as well as integrating proteomic data with genomic data. Our group is highly collaborative, participating in national and international consortia in which teams of scientists, statisticians, and clinicians work together to solve clinical or biological problems to impact human health.

This is a terrific leadership opportunity within the Paulovich lab for a highly motivated and experienced full-time Staff Scientist with hands-on proteomics expertise to join our group to lead our efforts in proteomic workflows for clinical precision oncology in a CLIA–CAP environment. This role requires hands-on experience at the bench and instruments—LC-MS/MS operation, especially in mass spectrometry-based proteomics (targeted, PRM, DIA), as well as LC-MS/MS troubleshooting, and sample preparation. Ideal candidates for this upper-level, senior position will have the ability to contribute on day one and help drive high-impact clinical and translational projects in a fast, rigorous, mission-driven lab at the intersection of proteomics, diagnostics, and patient care.

Responsibilities

• Process proteomic samples for mass spectrometry analysis (e.g., protein extraction, fractionation, immuno-depletion, trypsin digestion, alkylation, reduction, etc.).
• Assist in generation and analysis of mass spectrometry-based proteomic data, especially targeted methods such as parallel reaction monitoring (PRM).
• Follow (and generate) standard operating protocols (SOP) in a CLIA/CAP laboratory environment including participating in annual competency and proficiency testing.
• Work with antibodies (antibody crosslinking/purification, immunoaffinity purification, immobilization on solid supports, ELISAs).
• Collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary team spanning expertise in medicine, biology, analytical chemistry, and statistics.
• Design and present Powerpoint presentations of results to colleagues and collaborators.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, records, research results files, and databases.
• Write progress reports and develop standard operating protocols (SOPs).
• Write and co-author scientific manuscripts (in peer-reviewed journals).
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. degree in Protein Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related discipline.Previous work maintaining and running mass spectrometry and HPLC instruments to generate proteomic data, especially multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and/or parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) targeted mass spectrometry techniques.
• Experience with mass spectrometry data analysis tools, such as Skyline and R.
• Experience with quality control and processing of human and animal biospecimens, including biofluids, PBMC isolation, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and flash-frozen tissues, and cell lines.
• Experience with protein extraction and sample preparation for quantitative proteomics, including enzymatic digestion, stable isotope dilution, and calibration.
• Experience with antibodies and peptide standards, including immunoaffinity purification, immobilization on solid supports, and sample preparation for mass spectrometry.
• Experience operating and programming liquid-handling robots, including proficiency with Python and/or R.
• Ability to perform traditional biochemistry experiments using human and animal biospecimens and cell lines.
• Exceptional attention to detail, including adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and accurate recordkeeping in a CLIA/CAP-regulated environment.
• Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and achieve quarterly objectives in a milestone-driven research environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access.
• Willingness and ability to learn new techniques and technologies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• A strong publication record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in a CLIA/CAP or other regulated environment.
• Previous experience with Thermo MS instruments, e.g., Astral, Stellar.
• Previous experience with data independent (DIA) and data dependent (DDA) mass spectrometry techniques.
• Previous experience in discovery mass spectrometry data analysis tools (such as Proteome Discoverer, Fragpipe, DIANN, etc.).

The annual base salary range for this position is from $87,025 to $198,744, and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.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 (22 days per year), paid sick leave (up to 30 calendar days per occurrence of a qualifying reason), paid holidays (up to 13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).

Additional Information

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. 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 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 [email protected] or by calling 206-667-4700.