Research Technician I/II – Immunotherapy/T cell engineering and imaging
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.
A research technician II position (full-time) is available immediately in a laboratory within Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s Translational Research Program. The Laboratory for the Study of Metastatic Microenvironments focuses on understanding the biology underlying disseminated tumor cell (DTC) dormancy and formulating therapeutic means to eradicate dormant DTCs. We are looking for a dynamic, bright, meticulous, and highly motivated individual to join our team and to help us understand how DTCs and engineered immune cells interact.
The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in immunology, engineering T cells, and imaging. They will be responsible for performing standard and investigative laboratory work, including: following detailed, time-sensitive multi-day protocols for engineering immune cells, assisting with adoptive transfer experiments to apply engineered cells to an in vivo setting, and quantifying outcomes through a variety of means, including static imaging of tissue sections and dynamic imaging of live tissues.
Responsibilities
This position will work under the Principal Investigator and work with two talented postdoctoral fellows in the lab. The individual will use discretion and judgment in carrying out the following job duties.
- Meticulous adherence to detailed protocols to generate engineered T cells targeting specific tumor antigens and neo-antigens
- Perform standard assays to quality control each batch prep of engineered immune cells
- Assist with live animal studies to measure the efficacy of engineered T cells against dormant DTCs and proliferative micrometastases in live and in static tissues
- Prepare and monitor animals during experiments
- Breed a number of transgenic strains, genotype offspring and take careful note of resulting genotypes/phenotypes
- Perform statistical analyses to analyze resulting data
- Perform other duties as required
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in cell biology, immunology, bioengineering, or related disciplines required
- Research Techn I minimum qualifications- Must have scientific knowledge in the area of study and basic laboratory skills. Independent research experience in addition to school lab experience is usually necessary
- Research Techn II minimum qualifications- Intermediate level position requires a BA/BS and 2+ years’ experience working in a laboratory
- At least one-year of independent research experience in a laboratory setting (during undergraduate tenure okay) is required
- Experience with mammalian cell culture -or- laboratory mouse handling is required
- The ideal candidate will be meticulous, self-driven, enthusiastic, well-organized, and excited to participate in this critical work
Fred Hutch has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement, with exceptions only for approved medical or religious accommodations.
As a condition of employment, newly hired employees must provide proof of vaccination or initiate the accommodations process before their first day of employment.
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.