Shared Resources Specialist - Biospecimen Processing and Biorepository

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 Shared Resources Specialist I is responsible for supporting scientific needs of researchers at Fred Hutch using Biospecimen Processing and Biorepository (BPB) shared resource. This role involves assisting scientific researchers with performing bench‑level experiments, processing biospecimens, operating analytical instruments, compiling research data; performing calculations; preparing charts, graphs and summaries, entering laboratory data in database. This is an entry level position within the Shared Resources department with substantial room for growth.

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, all employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to our values of collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity, and respect.

• Research Support:
  • Involves research support that is mainly SOP‑directed, ensuring the Specialist develops a strong understanding of the fundamental science performed in BPB.
  • Perform bench work as assigned including processing biospecimen from various sources for isolation and preservation of PBMC, plasma and others; DNA and RNA extraction.
  • research samples such as whole blood, FFPE, and cell or tissue samples;
    Cell culturing including B cell transformation;
    Mycoplasma testing and sample quantification and testing.
  • Prepares and maintains laboratory reagents and stocks.
  • Will learn and perform new technical skills, such as processing protocol development and coordinate study projects.
• Research development:
  • Establish and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with faculty and external users to identify scientific needs.
• Equipment Oversight:
  • Perform basic equipment operation and maintenance.
  • Learn to coordinate and complete maintenance on some equipment and use relevant software.
  • Potentially review and identify new equipment needs.
  • Assist in supply
• Training and
  
  Education:
  • Assist in developing and modifying lab protocols, training materials, and specimen handling guidelines for investigators.
  • Learn to train users in sample preparation and submission and assist with experimental setup.
  • May supervise work‑study students, interns and lab aids.
• Administrative tasks:
  • Report or deliver results to users.
  • Accurately document laboratory activities.
  • Perform basic billing requirements.
  • Provide regulatory and compliance support for this shared resource.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of education:
  Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related fields;
  Or

• Associate degree and 1+ years of experience;
  Or

• GED/ High School Diploma and 3+ years of experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new protocols and techniques.
• Ability to learn and operate all specimen processing and repository equipment. Previous experience in operation and maintenance of relevant…