Research Technician IV

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent nonprofit cancer and biomedical research center in Seattle. The Paulovich Lab develops and implements protein-quantification tools to support precision medicine, including patient selection and characterization of therapeutic targets. The interdisciplinary lab focuses on mass spectrometry-based proteomics and integration of proteomic and genomic data, and collaborates with scientists, statisticians, and clinicians on clinical and biological research. This is a senior, full-time research technician position leading proteomic workflows for clinical precision oncology in a CLIA/CAP environment. The role involves hands-on preparation and analysis of a variety of samples for proteomics and contributing to clinical and translational projects. The technician will work collaboratively across medicine, biology, analytical chemistry, and statistics, and contribute to research documentation, presentations, reports, and scientific publications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Eight years of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of advanced degree and work experience.
Proven ability and knowledge necessary to conduct research independently.
Hands-on proteomics expertise and experience preparing and analyzing a variety of samples for proteomics.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or higher in Protein Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Clinical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
Experience maintaining and operating mass spectrometry and HPLC instruments to generate proteomic data, especially using targeted MRM and/or PRM mass spectrometry techniques.
Experience with mass spectrometry data analysis tools such as Skyline and R.
A strong publication record.
Experience with quality control and processing of human and animal biospecimens, including biofluids, PBMCs, FFPE and flash-frozen tissues, and cell lines.
Experience with protein extraction and sample preparation for quantitative proteomics, including enzymatic digestion, stable isotope dilution, and calibration.
Experience with antibodies and peptide standards, including immunoaffinity purification, immobilization on solid supports, and sample preparation for mass spectrometry.
Experience operating and programming liquid-handling robots, including proficiency with Python and/or R.
Ability to perform traditional biochemistry experiments using human and animal biospecimens and cell lines.
Exceptional attention to detail, including adherence to SOPs and accurate recordkeeping in a CLIA/CAP-regulated environment.
Strong work ethic, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment.
Ability to meet deadlines and achieve quarterly objectives in a milestone-driven research environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access.
Willingness and ability to learn new techniques and technologies.
Relocation assistance may be available.

Responsibilities

Process proteomic samples for mass spectrometry analysis, including protein extraction, fractionation, immunodepletion, trypsin digestion, alkylation, and reduction.
Assist with generation and analysis of mass spectrometry-based proteomic data, especially targeted methods using stable isotope dilution and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM).
Follow and develop standard operating protocols (SOPs) in a CLIA/CAP laboratory environment, including participation in annual competency and proficiency testing.
Work with antibodies, including crosslinking and purification, immunoaffinity purification, immobilization on solid supports, and ELISAs.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team spanning medicine, biology, analytical chemistry, and statistics.
Design and present PowerPoint presentations of results to colleagues and collaborators.
Maintain laboratory equipment, records, research result files, and databases.
Write progress reports and develop SOPs.
Write and co-author scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
Perform other duties as required.