Research Technician III

Overview 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 makes us stronger. We seek employees who bring 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 support assays characterizing B and T cell receptor repertoire sequencing, including supporting the antigen‑specific B cell receptor single‑cell sequencing pipeline for HIV and TB vaccine trials. The role includes developing high‑complexity molecular assays and single‑cell assays such as SMART‑seq and CITE‑Seq, and transcriptional profiling of bulk PBMCs to characterize vaccine‑induced cellular and molecular immune responses. Responsibilities also include performing a variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques independently, coordinating assays with other technicians, managing and interpreting experimental data, presenting results at lab meetings, conferences, and manuscripts, maintaining detailed laboratory records, and assisting in the development and maintenance of laboratory quality control (QC) methods that adhere to Good Clinical Lab Practice (GCLP) standards. 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, updating the team on any deviations. Proactively prepare reagents for experiments and for general lab use. Perform molecular procedures including sequencing sample preparation (Sanger, NGS, PacBio, SMART‑Seq, etc.). Design and implement assays for gene expression by high‑density multiplex PCR, digital droplet PCR, RT‑qPCR, and single‑cell assays such as SMART‑seq. Operate and carry out basic maintenance and QC of laboratory equipment as needed. Maintain study‑specific reagent inventories. Design primers and probes for PCR, qPCR, NGS, and other methods. Plan and execute optimization and experimental design, and write standard operating procedures and study‑specific procedures. Extract DNA and RNA from blood and tissue. Develop novel assays, modify and refine procedures to obtain optimal results. Review literature to stay informed on the HIV/TB/SARS‑CoV‑2 vaccine field and emerging immunological assays. Collaborate as a team member, communicate positively, and foster an environment that allows all laboratory staff to work well together. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Five years of laboratory experience outside of school coursework, or an equivalent combination of advanced degree and work experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience with immunology, COVID‑19, HIV/AIDS, TB, and/or molecular assays including HIV viral sequencing, primer design, NGS library preparation (Illumina, Advanta Seq, SMART‑Seq), real‑time PCR, and digital droplet PCR. Motivation, adaptability, and a keen interest in the HIV vaccine field. Excellent attention to detail, organization, self‑motivation, and time‑management skills. Willingness to work with biohazardous/infectious agents (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, SARS‑CoV‑2 & HIV‑1) and flexibility 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. Extensive NGS knowledge and library preparation experience (Illumina, Advanta‑Seq, 10X Genomics 5’ immune profiling, SMART‑seq, etc.). Highly self‑motivated, trustworthy, and capable of working independently in a teamwork environment. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Competency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Geneious Prime. The annual base salary range for this position is from $80,172 to $104,249 and pay will be based on experience and qualifications. Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H‑1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H‑1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well‑being, and financial security. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage; flexible spending accounts; life, disability, and retirement plans; family life support; employee assistance program; onsite health clinic; tuition reimbursement; paid vacation (12‑22 days per year); paid sick leave (12‑25 days per year); paid holidays (13 days per year); and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks). Additional Information We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) employer. The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or any other legally protected class. Priority referrals of protected veterans are desired. For assistance or reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr