Research Technician II/III - Blanco-Melo Lab

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.

The Blanco-Melo lab, within the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, studies the strategies that animal hosts have deployed throughout evolution to combat viral infections. Particularly focusing on medically important human viruses, such as Influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2, as well as ancient viral pathogens and their impact on the evolution of animal immune responses. Through the combination of molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics, the Blanco-Melo lab seeks to characterize and exploit our highly evolved antiviral responses, in order to enable the design of broadly acting therapeutics against current and emerging viral threats.
Our lab is seeking a highly motivated and curious Research Technician II/III to assist with projects aiming to understand the mechanisms controlling human antiviral pathways and the evolutionary forces that drove their emergence. This is a new lab and the candidate will help the PI setting up the lab, supervise other laboratory personnel, perform general lab duties, and be responsible for the daily operation of the laboratory. Additionally, the successful candidate will work with the P.I. and other lab members to carry out a variety of cutting-edge cellular and molecular biology techniques to advance in different projects and contribute to publications. The Blanco-Melo lab is committed to build a creative and supportive environment of trust, inclusion and belonging where people can thrive and achieve their particular goals.Responsibilities:

• Works independently under the guidance of, and in conjunction with the Principal Investigator in accomplishing the goals of the laboratory.
• This is a new lab and the candidate will help the PI setting up the laboratory, perform general lab duties, order and maintain appropriate levels of supplies, and be responsible for the daily operation of the laboratory.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents, stocks, cultures or cell lines.
• Perform administrative responsibilities related to lab safety, ordering and purchasing, and manage databases.
• Perform experiments at the bench level to support investigative work. Perform and optimize documented protocols and assays. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Maintain laboratory records and compile data on experiments and assays.
• Interpret and report on experimental results. Perform statistical analysis of test results (including charts and graphics) and prepare written and/or oral reports on work performed.
• Assist in the design of experiments. Conduct literature reviews to assist in determining most suitable methods to be used in research. Assist in publication of results by proofreading, editing, and contributing ideas, often as co-author or author.
• May be responsible for the performance of individual research projects.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS with preference for biochemistry, biology, immunology or similar areas of focus.
  • Research Technician II Qualifications:
    • Intermediate level position requiring a minimum of 2 years previous experience working in a research laboratory.
    • Experience with basic molecular biology techniques is required (e.g. PCR, purification, cloning, and manipulation of genomic/plasmid DNA, cDNA, and RNA).
    • Laboratory research experience in cell tissue culture, viral vector transduction (lentivirus), flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing (Illumina), bioinformatics, and/or BSL-2 virology work is desired (but not required).
  • Research Technician III Qualifications:
    • Advanced position requiring a minimum of 4 years previous experience working in a research laboratory.
    • Laboratory research experience in basic molecular biology techniques, cell tissue culture, viral vector transduction (lentivirus), flow cytometry, and BSL-2 virology work is required.
    • Additionally, experience with next-generation sequencing (Illumina), data analysis and/or bioinformatics is a plus (but not required).
• Computer skills: Microsoft Excel, Prism (Graphpad), FlowJo, and statistical programs for data analysis (R, Python and other programming skills are a plus).
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills are required.
• Motivation, adaptability, and ability to be a team player are essential.
• The candidate must be someone with strong troubleshooting skills, great attention to details, well-organized, self-motivated, and able to efficiently manage time and experiments.

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. 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.