Research Technician I

Overview: 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 HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN). The technician will perform experiments to identify and characterize immune responses at sites of HIV entry in participants who are part clinical trials. The incumbent will be responsible for processing blood or other body fluids and tissues from volunteers, performing the immunological assays, molecular biology assays and analyzing the data. They will assist in the development and maintenance of laboratory quality control (QC) methods and records. They will interpret and report on experimental results and may assist with data presentation for conferences and manuscripts.Responsibilities:

• Perform and analyze molecular biology experiments, such as RNA isolations, DNA isolations, and real-time PCR quantitation
• Conduct immunohistochemistry experiments, including immunohistochemistry staining, laser dissection microscopy, imaging and analysis of the slides
• Perform in vitro cell manipulations, sterile culture and HIV infections of mucosal samples
• Prepare tissue lysates and secretion eluates for protein quantitation experiments
• Perform ELISA, MSD and Singulex assays for evaluating antibodies, chemokines and cytokines in human secretions and tissue lysates
• Maintain chain of custody for samples used in the laboratory
• Develop and trouble-shoot new assays as needed
• Analyze and present data
• Maintain a high level of accuracy for all work
• Maintain records for experiments and quality control for the laboratory
• Prepare and maintain reagents, stocks, and cultures necessary to perform the work
• Operate and carry out basic maintenance and QC of laboratory equipment
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• A BA/BS with related laboratory experience in immunology, microbiology, molecular biology or similar field
• Experience with molecular biology or immunology
• Willingness and ability to work with blood, human tissues, human secretions, samples from COVID-19 infected subjects and HIV virus
• Must be self-motivated, organized and be able to work within a team
• Ability to be punctual and accurate
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

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.