Lab Aide (Work Study)

Fred Hutch; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

Job summary

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle is seeking a Lab Aide to assist in the Linda Buck lab, focusing on neural pathways and pathogen transport in the brain. Responsibilities include tissue prep, immunostaining, in situ hybridization, and microscopy, with a strong emphasis on safety and accuracy.

The role is work-study friendly for eligible students, offering exposure to cutting-edge cancer biology and neurobiology techniques in a world-renowned research setting.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent with an interest in the sciences.
• Enrollment in a university-level science degree program (e.g., biology, chemistry).
• Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to learn new skills quickly.
• Previous lab coursework or experience with basic molecular biology techniques is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cryostat brain sections.
• Conduct immunostaining and in situ hybridization on tissue sections.
• Perform microscopic imaging and analysis of tissue staining.
• Stock lab supplies, prepare reagents, and autoclave.
• Follow safety/biohazard precautions and procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Learn quickly

Ability to follow instructions

Scientific curiosity

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Enrollment in a university-level science degree program

Job description

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.

This position is in the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Linda Buck . The laboratory uses molecular, genetic, and cellular techniques to explore the neural mechanisms that underlie the sense of smell and instinctive odor responses in mammals. It is also interested in how viruses can travel from the nose to the brain and potential links to neurodegenerative disease.

Lab Aide will be involved in projects exploring the neural pathways through which sensory signals and pathogens travel in the brain and their impact on brain structure and function. The techniques likely to be used include tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and microscopic imaging. They will be responsible for tissue preparation and analysis methods, such as cryostat tissue sectioning and immunostaining. The incumbent will also be responsible for general laboratory duties, such as preparation of lab stock solutions, lab maintenance, and autoclaving.

Education

This is a work-study opening. Work-study is a college / university program that enables part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, affording them assistance with educational expenses. Applicants eligible to apply need to have the following:

• Currently on or will be eligible for off-campus work-study during the upcoming academic school year.

You will be required to submit Financial Aid documentation confirming work study eligibility for off-campus work prior to interview.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cryostat brain sections.
• Conduct immunostaining and in situ hybridization staining of tissue sections.
• Conduct microscopic imaging and analysis of tissue staining.
• Stock lab supplies, prepare reagents, autoclave.
• Follow safety/biohazard precautions and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent with an interest in the sciences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrollment in a university-level science degree program (e.g., biology, chemistry, or biochemistry).
• Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to learn new skills quickly is essential.
• Previous or current coursework in biology and/or chemistry and past laboratory experience.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques is highly desirable.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $21.30 to $30.13 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 access to a retirement savings plan, an employee assistance program, paid sick leave (1 hour for every 30 hours worked), and prorated paid holidays (up to 13 days per year).

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 [e-mail] or by calling 206-667-4700.