Research Technician II - McElrath Lab
Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.
At Fred Hutch, we believe that the innovation, collaboration, and rigor that result from diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission of eliminating cancer and related diseases. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an antiracist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, antiracism, and inclusion.
This research opportunity is with the McElrath Lab within the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Division. Under supervision of the Research Manager, the position will perform and assist in the optimizing and development of high-complexity molecular assays to characterize vaccine induced cellular and molecular immune responses. The tech will be responsible for performing a variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques independently and coordinating some assays with other technicians and assist in the analysis of data. They will be involved in data management, interpretation and reporting on experimental results and assist with data presentation for lab meetings, conferences and manuscripts. They will maintain detailed laboratory records including reporting of experimental results. They will assist in the development and maintenance of laboratory quality control (QC) methods and records, which may require adherence to GCLP (Good Clinical Lab Practice) standards.
Responsibilities
- Independently execute documented protocols
- Troubleshoot and optimize experimental methods, results and analysis.
- Proactively prepare reagents for experiments and for general lab use.
- Perform molecular procedures including but not limited to sequencing sample preparation (sanger and NGS) (e.g. isolation of RNA/DNA from human sample types (e.g. PBMC, mucosal tissue, lymph Node fine needle aspirates), magnetic bead purifications, BigDye terminator reactions, or NGS library preparations), gene expression by high density multiplex PCR and/or digital droplet PCR, RT-qPCR, RNA-Seq, RTPCR amplification for targeted amplicon sequencing of B or T cell receptors (bulk and single cell), single cell assays such as CITE-Seq, ASAP-seq, spatial transcriptomics and immunochemical assays such as MSD and ELISAs
- Operate and carry out basic maintenance and QC of laboratory equipment
- Engage in developing novel assays, modifying and refining procedures and techniques to obtain optimal results
- Independently collect and analyze data, and maintain a high level of accuracy for all work
- Review the literature to stay informed on the HIV/TB/SARS-Cov-2 vaccine field and/or immunological assays
- Work well as team-member, participate in positive communication, and foster an environment that allows all laboratory staff to work well together.
Qualifications
- BA/BS and 4+ years’ relevant experience working in a laboratory or equivalent experience. Requires independent research experience with immunological assays
- Experience with immunology, COVID, HIV/AIDS and/or molecular assay including NGS library preparation, Real time or digital droplet PCR are strongly desired
- Motivation and adaptability are essential, as is a keen interest in the HIV vaccine field
- The candidate must be someone with great attention to detail, well-organized, self-motivated, and able to efficiently manage time and experiments
- Applicants must be willing to work with biohazardous/infectious agents (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 & HIV-1) also be flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends
A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your career or that will be made through work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.
Our Commitment to Diversity
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 our Employee Services Center at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.