Research Technician I

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center•Seattle, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Talbot Lab, within the Basic Sciences Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, is recruiting a highly motivated Research Technician I to support studies on how gut neurons and immune cells communicate to control intestinal immunity, secretion, and metabolism. The Talbot lab studies the gut-brain axis, and how gut neurons sense diet and microbes, regulating immunity, metabolism, and nutrition. A central focus of the lab is neuroimmune circuits, meaning the ways neurons and immune cells communicate with each other in the intestine. For that, we use mouse models, molecular immunology, flow cytometry and cell sorting, whole-mount tissue imaging, calcium imaging, single-cell genomics, CRISPR-Cas9 genetic alterations, and diet engineering. One objective of our studies is to develop dietary strategies that use the modulation of gut neurons to combat gastrointestinal-associated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gut infections, malabsorption conditions, and metabolic disturbances. This research offers the opportunity to study the intersection of different areas including neurobiology, physiology, immunology, host-microbiota interactions, nutrition, and gastroenterology. This position is well suited for recent graduates who plan to apply to graduate school (PhD or MD/PhD) and want to gain hands-on research experience first. The research tech will receive training in core laboratory techniques, will take part in the scientific reasoning behind experiments, and can contribute to publications. Dr. Talbot is committed to mentoring lab members and supporting their career development, including advice on graduate school applications. If the candidate is interested, there is a possibility for the candidate to be selected for the Fred Hutch Postbaccalaureate Program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, immunology, neuroscience, or related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated scientific knowledge in the area of study.
Demonstrated basic laboratory skills.
Able to follow written protocols and keeping careful records of experiments.
Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills are required.
Good communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to learn new techniques and to take ownership of assigned experiments.
Interest in a career in biomedical research, including plans for graduate school.
Provide intellectual commitment to the position by keeping up with relevant literature and research publications.
Strong interest in neuroscience and immunology
mouse handling and husbandry, including breeding and genotyping.
Immunology techniques, such as flow cytometry, cell sorting, ELISA, or immunostaining.
Tissue dissection, microscopy, or cell culture.
Basic data analysis skills (Excel, GraphPad Prism, or programming in Python or R).
Ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

Standard molecular biology techniques, such as DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.

Responsibilities

Perform bench experiments in immunology and neurobiology, including intestinal tissue dissection, isolation of immune cells and neurons, flow cytometry and cell sorting, immunostaining, and microscopy.
Perform molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, and genotyping.
Coordinate care of the laboratory mouse colony, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, and record-keeping.
Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data, and prepare figures, graphs, and summary reports.
Contribute to the daily operation of the laboratory, including lab safety, ordering, inventory, and equipment maintenance.
Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and project discussions, engaging actively in the scientific reasoning behind experiments.