Research Technician I

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 make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

The Talbot Lab, within the Basic Sciences Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, is recruiting a highly motivated Research Technician I to support studies on how gut neurons and immune cells communicate to control intestinal immunity, secretion, and metabolism.

The Talbot lab studies the gut-brain axis, and how gut neurons sense diet and microbes, regulating immunity, metabolism, and nutrition. A central focus of the lab is neuroimmune circuits, meaning the ways neurons and immune cells communicate with each other in the intestine. For that, we use mouse models, molecular immunology, flow cytometry and cell sorting, whole-mount tissue imaging, calcium imaging, single-cell genomics, CRISPR-Cas9 genetic alterations, and diet engineering. One objective of our studies is to develop dietary strategies that use the modulation of gut neurons to combat gastrointestinal-associated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gut infections, malabsorption conditions, and metabolic disturbances. This research offers the opportunity to study the intersection of different areas including neurobiology, physiology, immunology, host-microbiota interactions, nutrition, and gastroenterology.

This position is well suited for recent graduates who plan to apply to graduate school (PhD or MD/PhD) and want to gain hands-on research experience first. The research tech will receive training in core laboratory techniques, will take part in the scientific reasoning behind experiments, and can contribute to publications. Dr. Talbot is committed to mentoring lab members and supporting their career development, including advice on graduate school applications. If the candidate is interested, there is a possibility for the candidate to be selected for the Fred Hutch Postbaccalaureate Program.

More information:

Responsibilities

The research technician will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Talbot, and in close collaboration with other lab members, on projects investigating the role of neural circuits in intestinal immunity and homeostasis using mouse models. Responsibilities include:

• Perform bench experiments in immunology and neurobiology, including intestinal tissue dissection, isolation of immune cells and neurons, flow cytometry and cell sorting, immunostaining, and microscopy.
• Perform molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, and genotyping.
• Coordinate care of the laboratory mouse colony, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, and record-keeping.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data, and prepare figures, graphs, and summary reports.
• Contribute to the daily operation of the laboratory, including lab safety, ordering, inventory, and equipment maintenance.
• Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and project discussions, engaging actively in the scientific reasoning behind experiments.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, immunology, neuroscience, or related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated scientific knowledge in the area of study.
• Demonstrated basic laboratory skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Standard molecular biology techniques, such as DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
• Able to follow written protocols and keeping careful records of experiments.
• Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills are required.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and to take ownership of assigned experiments.
• Interest in a career in biomedical research, including plans for graduate school.
• Provide intellectual commitment to the position by keeping up with relevant literature and research publications.
• Strong interest in neuroscience and immunology
• mouse handling and husbandry, including breeding and genotyping.
• Immunology techniques, such as flow cytometry, cell sorting, ELISA, or immunostaining.
• Tissue dissection, microscopy, or cell culture.
• Basic data analysis skills (Excel, GraphPad Prism, or programming in Python or R).
• Ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment.

Application Instructions:

In order to be considered for this role, a Cover Letter is required with your application. Please submit cover letter including:

• a brief statement summarizing your relevant research experience.
• a brief statement summarizing your interest in this position and your career goals (for example, graduate school plans).

The hourly pay range for this position is from $23.33 to $33.21 and pay offered 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, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, 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. 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 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 Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io or by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.