Research Technician I

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch); Washington, Seattle (District of Columbia, WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a motivated Research Technician to join their innovative lab focused on vaccine development. This role involves conducting experiments in protein expression and purification, utilizing advanced techniques like X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology and a passion for scientific research. Join a collaborative team dedicated to groundbreaking discoveries in the fight against infectious diseases. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to vital research that can change lives and enhance public health.

Benefits

Medical/Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Parental Leave

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a scientific field.
• Demonstrated laboratory skills and scientific knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Conduct protein expression and purification experiments.
• Responsible for crystallization of proteins/antibodies complexes.
• Use Electron Microscopy for structural analysis.

Skills

Protein Expression

Protein Purification

X-ray Crystallography

Cryo-EM

Molecular Biology

Immunological Assays

Education

Bachelor's degree in related scientific field

Tools

CCP4

Phenix

Pymol

Chimera

Job description

Research Technician I

Job ID

29304

Type

Regular Full-Time

Location

US-WA-Seattle

Category

Laboratory Research Sciences

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 Pancera lab, within the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, works towards the development of safe and effective vaccines against HIV-1, malaria and other pathogens. Our major emphasis is the design of protein immunogens and understanding the immune response following vaccination or natural infection. The lab focuses on structural characterization of these immunogens and their immune responses. The laboratory utilizes a wide range of in vitro and in vivo systems and cutting-edge technologies and techniques. Experimental approaches include high-throughput crystallography, cryoEM, specialized immunological methodologies and assays, molecular and cellular biology techniques, bioinformatics, and computational approaches.

Our lab is seeking an outstanding Research Technician I-II to work on a project involving the characterization of the humoral immune response following vaccination against HIV, malaria or other pathogens using X-ray crystallography and cryoEM and the designs of novel immunogens.

Responsibilities

Conduct protein expression and purification experiments, including affinity purification, ion exchange and FPLC, related to the production of antibodies and antigens for biophysical characterization, including structural biology
• Responsible for crystallization of the proteins/antibodies complexes and for solving and refining their structures
• Responsible for using Electron Microscopy (both negative stain and cryoEM)
• Use of Bio Layer interferometry and ELISA to characterize antibodies/antigens binding interactions
• May involve molecular modelling and structure-based mutagenesis and design
• Initiate and carry out scientific projects, under the supervision of Dr. Pancera
• Develop and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the scientific literature relating to the research topics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Research Technician I:

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated scientific knowledge in the area of study
• Demonstrated basic laboratory skills

Research Technician II:

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2 years of experience working in a lab outside of school coursework

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Independent research experience separate from school lab experience
• Knowledge of cryo-EM is not required but desirable. Candidates with backgrounds in areas such as virology, protein biochemistry, vaccine development are strongly encouraged to apply
• Experience in X-ray crystallography and up-to-date knowledge of relevant programs including CCP4 and Phenix packages, Pymol and Chimera software, protein purification, protein characterization
• Hands-on experience with diverse aspects of Molecular Biology is required
• Some publication history is strongly desired
• Additional expertise with tissue culture and immunological assays is a plus.
• The candidate must be a 'risk taker', show initiative, willingness to take up new skills and responsibilities, and be a team player
• Excellent attention to details and the ability to work independently are essential to success in this position, as are good communication and organizational skills
• The candidate must be self-motivated, able to multitask and to work within a very collaborative environment

Cover letters are highly desired from applicants.

Research Technician I: The hourly pay range for this position is from $22.87 to $32.56 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

Research Technician II: The hourly pay range for this position is from $26.48 to $37.70 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

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), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 6 months).

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.