Research Technician 1

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.

This research opportunity is with the McElrath laboratory and HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN).  Our 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.

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 to testing vaccine efficacy. The HVTN laboratory is responsible for conducting laboratory-based studies to evaluate the immunogenicity of investigational vaccines.

Some weekend and evening work may be required.

Candidates must include a cover letter as part of their application to be considered. 

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated scientific knowledge in the area of study
• Demonstrated basic laboratory skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Willing to work with biohazardous/infectious agents (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, including HIV-1)
• Flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends
• Independent research experience outside of laboratory course work
• Specific experience with flow cytometry, immunology, and cellular assays
• Motivation, adaptability and ability to be a strong team player,
• Keen interest in the HIV vaccine field.  
• 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

The hourly pay range for this position is from $23.33 to $33.21 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

Some weekend and evening work may be required.

Candidates must include a cover letter as part of their application to be considered. 

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship at this time.

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.