Research Technician III

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center•Seattle, WA

About The Position

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. 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. This research opportunity is with the McElrath Lab within the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Division. Under supervision of a staff scientist, the position will be responsible for design and implementation of full-length viral sequencing, optimizing and development of high-complexity molecular assays such single cell-based assays such as SMART-seq to characterize vaccine induced cellular and molecular immune responses. They will be responsible for performing a variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques independently and coordinating some assays with other technicians. They will be involved in data management, interpretation and reporting on experimental results and assist with data presentation for lab meetings, conferences and manuscripts. They will maintain detailed laboratory records including reporting experimental results. They will assist in the development and maintenance of laboratory quality control (QC) methods and records, which may require adherence to GCLP (Good Clinical Lab Practice) standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience
5 years of experience working in a lab outside of school coursework (or equivalent combination of advanced degree and work experience)
Willing to work with biohazardous/infectious agents (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 & HIV-1) also be flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends
Demonstrated scientific knowledge in the area of study
Knowledge of HIV structure and critical genomic elements.
Ability to generate and refine large nucleotide alignments of diverse sequences
Primer and probe design (PCR, qPCR, NGS, etc.)
Ability to follow instructions.
Capability of working independently in a teamwork environment.
Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Competency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, Geneious Prime

Nice To Haves

Experience with immunology, COVID, HIV/AIDS, TB and/or molecular assay including HIV viral sequencing including primer design, NGS library preparation (Illumina, PacBio, Smart-Seq), Real time or digital droplet PCR are strongly desired including experience in primer and probe design
Motivation and adaptability are essential, as is a keen interest in the HIV vaccine field
Great attention to detail, well-organized, self-motivated, and able to efficiently manage time and experiments
Extensive NGS knowledge and library prep experience (PacBio, Illumina, SMART-seq, etc)
Willingness to take up new skills and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Independently execute documented protocols, maintain a high level of accuracy for all work and keep detailed records for experiments
Troubleshoot and optimize experimental methods, update the team of any deviations
Proactively prepare reagents for experiments and for general lab use
Perform molecular procedures including but not limited to sequencing sample preparation (sanger, NGS, PacBio, SMART-Seq, etc.)
Design and implement assays for gene expression by high density multiplex PCR and/or digital droplet PCR, RT-qPCR, single cell assays such as SMART-seq
Operate and carry out basic maintenance and QC of laboratory equipment as needed
Generate and refine large nucleotide alignments of diverse sequences
Primer and probe design (PCR, qPCR, NGS, etc.)
Optimization and experimental design experience
DNA and RNA extraction from blood and tissue
Experience using Geneious Prime software
Engage in developing novel assays, modifying and refining procedures and techniques to obtain optimal results
Review the literature to stay informed on the HIV/TB/SARS-Cov-2 vaccine field and/or new emerging immunological assays
Work well as team-member, participate in positive communication, and foster an environment that allows all laboratory staff to work well together.