Research Technician I​/II

Overview

The Irvine Lab at Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician I or II to join a new, highly interdisciplinary research group. Combining protein engineering, machine learning, and immunology, the lab builds platforms to map and predict how protein sequence and structure shape receptor engagement and the biological outcomes that follow. These platforms then enable the design of proteins that precisely direct immune responses and improve human health.

A major focus is the antibody Fc domain, which controls how antibodies communicate with immune cells.

The selected candidate will take substantial ownership of projects using high-throughput mutational screening to map relationships between antibody sequence and function. The core work will involve mammalian cell engineering, flow cytometry, and next-generation sequencing. There will also be opportunities to develop skills in computational biology and machine learning. As one of the lab’s first hires, the candidate will have opportunities to serve as lead author on publications arising from their work.

The anticipated start date is November 2026, with flexibility based on candidate availability. Informal inquiries may be directed to Edward Irvine at eirvine@benaroyaresearch.org.

Responsibilities include executing and optimizing experiments, analyzing data, maintaining a detailed electronic laboratory notebook, and preparing and maintaining reagents, cell lines, plasmids, and other experimental materials. The Research Technician will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues, communicate results during meetings and presentations, and contribute to the development of a new research laboratory.

A BS/BA in biology, bioengineering, or a related field is required, along with hands-on experience in a biological research laboratory. The ideal candidate will have strong experimental fundamentals and be excited to learn new technologies and take ownership of ambitious research projects. Experience with mammalian cell culture, mammalian cell engineering, flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing, and/or antibody expression is advantageous but not required.

Candidates should have strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to execute complex experimental workflows independently. Candidates will be considered at the Research Technician I or II level depending on experience and qualifications.

Research Technician I:$24.05 to $34.15 per hour

Research Technician II:$27.74 to $40.78 per hour

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts: health care, dependent care, commuter
• Short and long-term disability
• Life and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with matching funds after one year of employment
• 13 holidays, 3 weeks of vacation and 2 weeks of sick leave per year
• Employee assistance program
• Educational assistance program
• Subsidized ORCA pass
• Wellness benefits
• Voluntary benefits

Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) has a bold mission: to advance the science to predict, prevent, reverse and cure immune system diseases, from autoimmune diseasetocancertoasthmaandallergies. We create detailed pictures of the immune system in health and disease, aiming to understand how disorders start and how to rebalance the immune system back to health. Equipped with innovative tools and robust biorepositories, our team chips away at the biggest mysteries behind these conditions to work toward our vision of a healthy immune system for everyone.

BRI is a nonprofit research institute based in Seattle and affiliated with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

We collaborate with clinicians and patients to accelerate the path from innovative…