Research Scientist II

The Oda Laboratory at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute (SCRI) focuses on engineering innovative immunotherapies to overcome treatment resistance in various cancers, including AML and RMS. Located within the Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, our lab designs novel synthetic receptors, enhances adoptive T-cell therapies (including CAR and TCR T cells), and investigates mechanisms to reprogram immune cells to thrive within hostile, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented researcher to join our collaborative, translational team dedicated to advancing next-generation cell therapies from bench discovery toward clinical impact. Position Overview & Key Responsibilities Experimental Design & Execution: Independently evaluate, select, and apply standardized and advanced scientific procedures; contribute directly to the planning, design, execution, and interpretation of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Data Integrity & Analysis: Make detailed observations, analyze complex datasets, maintain rigorous electronic laboratory records, and troubleshoot experimental protocols. Dissemination & Scientific Communication: Assist in the preparation of research manuscripts, technical reports, grant proposals, and scientific presentations; present findings and progress at internal lab meetings and external technical conferences. Team Collaboration & Mentorship: Maintain shared laboratory operations, uphold high safety standards, and participate in the training and guidance of junior lab personnel, trainees, and students. Preferred Qualifications & Technical Skills Mammalian Cell Culture: Extensive hands‑on experience with sterile technique, primary human/murine immune cell isolation (PBMCs, T cells), activation, expansion, and cryopreservation. Multicolor Flow Cytometry: Demonstrated proficiency in multi‑panel (8+ color) panel design and data analysis using FlowJo. T-Cell Engineering & Functional Assays: Experience with viral transduction (lentivirus or retrovirus) or non‑viral gene delivery (CRISPR/electroporation), along with downstream in vitro functional readouts (cytotoxicity assays, cytokine profiling via ELISA/Luminex, proliferation). Molecular Biology Fundamentals: Routine execution of PCR, vector cloning, plasmid preparation, and gel electrophoresis. Additional Preferred / Highly Desirable Qualifications In Vivo Models: Experience handling immunocompromised or syngeneic murine models, adoptive cell transfer, tumor inoculations, and bioluminescent imaging (IVIS). Single‑Cell & Genomics: Familiarity with preparation protocols for single‑cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‑seq) or high‑dimensional spectral profiling. Data & Software Proficiency: Working knowledge of Prism, FlowJo, and electronic lab notebooks (ELN). Required Education And Experience Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering or scientific discipline; may require a Master’s Degree for certain lab specialties. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a related area/laboratory setting. Required Credentials N/A. Preferred Master’s Degree in applicable field/research specialty highly preferred. Significant experience conducting research in area of specialization. Some experience with laboratory management. Compensation Range $32.87 - $49.31 per hour Salary Information This compensation range was calculated based on full‑time employment (2080 hours worked per calendar year). Offers are determined by multiple factors including equity, skills, experience, and expertise, and may vary within the range provided. Disclaimer for Out of State Applicants This compensation range is specific to Seattle, positions located outside of Seattle may be compensated differently depending on various factors. Benefits Information Seattle Children’s offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 403(b), life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more. Additional details on our benefits can be found on our website About Us Hope. Care. Cure. These three simple words capture what we do at Seattle Children’s – to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. Are you ready to engage with a mission‑driven organization that is life‑changing to many, and touches the hearts of all? #HOPECARECURE Our founding promise to the community is as valid today as it was over a century ago: we will care for all children in our region, regardless of the families’ ability to pay. Together, we deliver superior patient care, advance new discoveries and treatments through pediatric research, and serve as the pediatric and adolescent, academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho – the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Seattle Children’s among the nation’s best children’s hospitals. For more than a decade, Seattle Children’s has been nationally recognized in key specialty areas. We are honored to be one of the nation’s very best places to care for children and the top‑ranked pediatric hospital in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. As a Magnet designated institution, we recognize the importance of hiring and developing great talent to provide best‑in‑class care to the patients and families we serve. Our organizational DNA takes form in our core values: Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity and Innovation. Whether it’s delivering frontline care to our patients in a kind and caring manner, practicing the highest standards of quality and safety, or being relentlessly curious as we work towards eradicating childhood diseases, these values are the fabric of our culture and community. The future starts here. Our Commitment Seattle Children’s welcomes people of all experiences, backgrounds, and thoughts as this is what drives our spirit of inquiry and allows us to better connect with our patients and families. Our organization recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. The people who work at Seattle Children’s are members of a community that seeks to respect and celebrate all the qualities that make each of us unique. Each of us is empowered to be ourselves. Seattle Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace and Affimative Action Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr