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.

• 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, Pac Bio, 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.

• 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.

• 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…