Research Technician I

Overview

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.

The Mayers lab is recruiting a highly motivated Research Technician I or Research Technician II to join our new team. Our lab focuses on understanding the metabolism of microbes and how these activities contribute to disease. Our work has implications for antibiotic resistant infections, structural lung diseases like COPD, and cancer development. The Mayers lab uses a combination of patient samples, preclinical mouse models, and bacterial culture systems to probe these areas. Specifically, we utilize mass spectrometry metabolomics, RNA and DNA sequencing, genetics, chemical biology, protein biochemistry, and standard molecular biology techniques to study the two key parts of metabolic reactions, the small molecule metabolites (nutrients) and the enzymes that make them.

The candidate will assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in performing research and contributing to daily laboratory operations. As one of the first lab members, the successful candidate will play a key role in establishing lab norms and culture. They will work with the PI and other lab members to perform cutting-edge research across a variety sample types to understand the contributions of microbial metabolism in diseases ranging from acute infections to cancer. The Research Technician I/II will perform standard investigative laboratory work in support of scientific research by performing bench-level experiments, operating analytical instruments, recovering, compiling and verifying the accuracy of research data; performing calculations; preparing charts, graphs and summaries, as well as contribute to the maintenance and management of the laboratory. They will also be part of an inclusive community that supports the scientific, professional, and personal development of every member.

Responsibilities

This position works under the guidance of and in conjunction with the PI or higher-level laboratory personnel in accomplishing the goals of the laboratory.

For a Technician I, responsibilities include:

• Perform bench-level experiments that involve operating instruments (PCR machine, gel electrophoresis, metabolite extraction, centrifugation, etc.), recovering, compiling, and verifying the accuracy of research data, performing calculations, preparing graphs, and performing statistical analyses.
• Compile, analyze, and present data.
• Contribute to daily laboratory operations.
• Assist with Administrative responsibilities related to laboratory safety, working with shared resources, ordering supplies, managing inventory, performing basic laboratory and equipment maintenance, and maintaining databases.
• Perform mouse handling, including coordinating/performing basic animal care and experiments, setting up/maintaining breeder pairs, weaning mice, genotypic mice, etc.
• The successful candidate will be involved in studies using the following experimental techniques:
  • Bacterial cell culture (culturing cell lines, assays for growth, physiology, and metabolite production).
  • Mass spectrometry metabolomics (sample preparation and running, data analysis).
  • Biochemistry (protein isolation/quantification, enzyme kinetics, structural characterization, Western blotting).
  • Molecular genetics (RNA extraction, cDNA creation, qRT-PCR analysis, DNA/RNA sequencing analysis, preparing plasmids, maxi-preps).
  • In vivo mouse models of infection and cancer (infection, dissection and sample harvesting, and preparation for analysis).
  • Mammalian cell culture (culturing cell lines, assays for growth, physiology, and metabolite production).
  • Histology (tissue preparation, sectioning, staining for microscopy).
  • Microscopy (brightfield imaging, confocal imaging, image analysis).
  • Additional techniques as needed.
• Perform other duties as required

For a Technician II, additional responsibilities include:

• Identify methodological problems in research protocol and implement modifications to optimize experimental results
• Prepare and present written or oral progress reports concerning studies including assembly, organization, and interpretation of data
• Assist in the design of experiments; may be responsible for the performance of individual research projects
• 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
• May perform statistical analyses, write computer programs, or manage research database

What can we provide to you?

• Scientific training to broaden your technical and professional skillsets
• A supportive learning environment to foster personal and professional growth
• The opportunity to learn from researchers with diverse scientific expertise and training backgrounds

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Research Technician I:

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated scientific knowledge in the area of study
• Demonstrated basic laboratory skills

Research Technician II:

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2 years of experience working in a lab outside of school coursework

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in a research lab
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with sterile technique and standard bacterial culture methods
• Experience working with mice is strongly desired
• Experience using GraphPad Prism and Adobe Illustrator
• Knowledge or experience maintaining and ordering materials is preferred, in addition to excellent record-keeping 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).

Our Commitment to Diversity