Research Technicians I/II

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.

Our lab is recruiting Research Technicians I-II to primarily perform assays to characterize antiviral T and B-cell responses. The technicians 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 project manager and work closely with a technical team.

Research Technician I:

Evaluate and characterize T and B cell immune responses to candidate vaccines using primarily high parameter flow cytometry (intracellular cytokine staining, cellular phenotyping) as well as other techniques such as IFN-y ELISpot, viral inhibition, and multiplex cytokine detection (MSD platform).
• Conduct all work according to Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) guidelines and auditable standards, ensuring accurate and timely reporting and record keeping.
• Directly execute experimental plans and conduct analyses, which may include (but is not limited to): creation of an experiment plan, preparation of reagents for experiments, completion of laboratory assays, and analysis of data.
• Assist with troubleshooting of techniques, assays, and lab instruments, assuming responsibility for overseeing investigations to completion and fully documenting results.
• Work collaboratively with other team members, participate in positive communication, and foster an environment that allows all laboratory staff to work well together.
• Review the literature to stay informed on the HIV vaccine field or immunological assays.
• Other duties as assigned.

Research Technician II:

All duties listed above for Research Technician I, plus:

• Analyze and interpret data, prepare presentations, contribute to scientific writing
• Execute projects with minimal oversight
• Mentorship and/or training of Research Tech I as appropriate

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Research Technician I:

• 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 is usually necessary.
• Applicants must be willing to work with biohazardous/infectious agents (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, including HIV-1) and be flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends.

Research Technician II:

• Intermediate level position requiring 2 years previous experience working in a laboratory and BA/BS.
• Independent research experience outside of laboratory course work is usually necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Specific experience with flow cytometry, immunology, cellular assays, and tissue culture.
• 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.

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.

Research Technician I: The hourly pay range for this position is from $22.21 to $31.61 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.
Research Technician II: The hourly pay range for this position is from $25.71 to $36.60 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).