Shared Resources Specialist 1 - Biospecimen Processing and Biorepository

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 Shared Resources Specialist I is responsible for supporting scientific needs of researchers at Fred Hutch using Biospecimen Processing and Biorepository (BPB) shared resource. This role involves assisting scientific researchers with performing bench-level experiments, processing biospecimens, operating analytical instruments, compiling research data; performing calculations; preparing charts, graphs and summaries, entering laboratory data in database. This is an entry level position within the Shared Resources department with substantial room for growth.  ​​ 

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, all employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to our values of collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity, and respect. 

Responsibilities

​Research Support:

• ​​Involves research support that is mainly SOP- directed, ensuring the Specialist develops a strong understanding of the fundamental science performed in BPB.    
• Perform bench work as assigned including processing biospecimen from various sources for isolation and preservation of PBMC, plasma and others; DNA and RNA extraction from research samples such as whole blood, FFPE, and
• cell or tissue samples; Cell culturing including B cell transformation; Mycoplasma testing and sample quantification and testing.  
• Prepares and maintains laboratory reagents and stocks.  
• Will learn and perform new technical skills, such as processing protocol development and coordinate study projects.  

Research development:  

• ​Establish and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with faculty and external users to identify scientific needs.   

Equipment Oversight:  

• ​Perform basic equipment operation and maintenance.
• ​Learn to coordinate and complete maintenance on some equipment and use relevant software.
• Potentially review and identify new equipment needs.   
• Assist in supply management. 

​Training and Education:  

• ​Assist in developing and modifying lab protocols, training materials, and specimen handling guidelines for investigators.  
• ​​Learn to train users in sample preparation and submission and assist with experimental setup.  
• May supervise work-study students, interns and lab aids. 

Administrative tasks:

• ​Report or deliver results to users.
• Accurately document laboratory activities.
• Perform basic billing requirements.
• Provide regulatory and compliance support for this shared resource​.

Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of education: Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related fields; Or
• Associate degree and 1+ years of experience; Or
• GED/ High School Diploma and 3+ years of experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• ​Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new protocols and techniques 
• ​Ability to learn and operate all specimen processing and repository equipment. Previous experience in operation and maintenance of relevant equipment.
• Understanding of the biosafety requirements related to biospecimen and lab environment. 
• Excellent communication skills and organizational skills. 
• Ability to work in a collaborative team-oriented, shared resources lab environment. 
• Experience with MS Office suite of applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, One Drive, etc). 
• Record keeping and database management. 
• Full understanding of the biosafety requirements related to biospecimen and lab environment.​​

The hourly pay range for this position is from $30.52 to $43.45 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.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 (12-22 days per year), paid sick leave (12-25 days per year), paid holidays (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.