Research Technician II-III, Metastasis and Therapeutic Resistance
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.
A research technician position is immediately available in a laboratory within Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s Translational Research Program. The Laboratory for the Study of Metastatic Microenvironments (LSM2) focuses on understanding the biology underlying disseminated tumor cell (DTC) dormancy and formulating therapeutic means to eradicate dormant DTCs.
We are looking for a dynamic, organized, and highly motivated individual who will be responsible for:
- managing the laboratory by, e.g., standardizing on- and off-boarding protocols, managing laboratory inventories, and writing and updating laboratory protocols; while
- performing standard and investigative laboratory work in support of scientific research by conducting cell culture experiments, working with murine models, gathering, analyzing, compiling and verifying the accuracy of research data; and compiling them in both written and visual formats.
The ideal candidate will have evidence of extreme competence at the aforementioned while also excelling at multi-tasking, organization, and laboratory benchwork.
Responsibilities
This position will work under the Principal Investigator and work with the laboratory personnel. The individual will use discretion and judgment in carrying out the following job duties:
- Manage a murine colony, including breeding, genotyping, and weaning litters, as well as live imaging and techniques associated with tumor xenograft experiments
- Perform experiments at the bench level to support investigative work. This will involve two- and three-dimensional cell culture, live cell imaging, immunofluorescent staining, tissue sectioning, plasmid preparation, cloning, retro- and lenti-virus production, and immunoblotting
- Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents, stocks, cultures or cell lines
- Perform and modify documented protocols and assays
- Maintain laboratory records and compile data on experiments and assays
- Interpret and report experimental results
- Perform statistical analysis of test results and prepare written reports
- Operate and carry out basic maintenance of laboratory equipment
- Order and maintain appropriate levels of supplies
- Prepare and present written or oral progress reports concerning studies including assembly, organization, and interpretation of data
- Assist in the design of experiments; and ultimately be responsible for the performance of an independent research project
- Conduct literature reviews to assist in determining most suitable methods to be used in research
- Assist in publication of results by reporting on experiments they have conducted and organizing figures
- May perform statistical analyses, write computer programs, or manage research database
- Perform other duties as required
Qualifications
- This is an intermediate to senior level position requiring at least 2 years' previous experience working in a laboratory and BA/BS in Biology or a related field.
- Research Tech II level: a bachelor's degree in a biological field and 2 or more years of relevant professional laboratory research experience
- Research Tech III level: Extensive laboratory experience. At least five years experience in basic laboratory skills are required. Generally, the incumbent will possess a Master's degree in a related scientific field.
- Experience with murine models and cell culture.
- Independent research experience outside of laboratory course work is required.
- The ideal candidate will have exceptional interpersonal skills, be well-organized, pay exquisite attention to detail, have demonstrated proficiency in running pre-clinical trials, skilled in collecting and analyzing data (e.g., GraphPad Prism), and adept in establishing and managing laboratory databases.
A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism 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.