Shared Resources Specialist II - Flow Cytometry

Fred Hutch; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Onsite health clinic

Retirement plan

Parental leave

Job summary

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle is seeking a Mid-level Shared Resources Specialist II for the Flow Cytometry core. You will support researchers through calibration, setup, operation and troubleshooting of flow cytometers, and provide training on theory and practical applications.

The role offers growth potential in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment, with responsibilities spanning instrument maintenance, panel development, data management, and user support.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, microbiology, biochemistry or related science.
• Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of relevant scientific experience or equivalent.
• Associate’s degree plus 5 years of relevant scientific experience or GED plus 7 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Support FC-SR leadership and perform flow cytometry instrumentation tasks.
• Identify cytometric analysis and cell sorting needs; build collaborative relationships.
• Maintain equipment, perform preventative maintenance and coordinate service.
• Develop SOPs, training materials and web-based training.
• Assist with billing, scheduling and ordering lab supplies.

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant scientific experience

Associate’s degree and 5 years of relevant scientific experience

GED/High School Diploma and 7 years of relevant scientific experience

Tools

Flow cytometry software

MS Office

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.

The Shared Resources Specialist II – Flow Cytometry is responsible for supporting the needs of researchers at Fred Hutch who utilize the Flow Cytometry Shared Resource (FC-SR). This role involves assisting researchers throughout the entire flow cytometry process, including instrument calibration and maintenance, experimental design support, instrument setup, operation, troubleshooting, and training. The Specialist II will also provide educational support on the theoretical and practical applications of flow cytometry to users. Additionally, this position will participate in adapting new laboratory protocols and solving daily operational problems. This is a mid-level position with substantial room for growth and assumes mastery of all requirements and duties of the Specialist II.

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.

Responsibilities

Research Support:

• Work under the direction of the FC-SR leadership or higher-level laboratory personnel.
• Use discretion and judgment in performance of duties.
• Demonstrate mastery of flow cytometry instrumentation for analysis and cell sorting assays across a wide range of study protocols.

Research development:

• Establish and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with faculty, researchers, and external users to identify cytometric analysis and cell sorting needs.
• Identify opportunities for improvement of laboratory workflow while adhering to specified protocols and procedures.
• Work with senior staff to implement modification and optimization of SOP’s.
• Assist in the development and optimization of multicolor panels for high parameter data acquisition.

3. Equipment Oversight:

• Perform advanced equipment operation and maintenance or coordinate with manufacturer field service engineers to complete preventative maintenance and repairs on instrumentation, laboratory equipment and software.
• Utilize database software or App to record, track and evaluate instrument maintenance, sterility, aerosol management, and biosafety training.
• Maintain service records, review, and identify new equipment needs.

Training and Education:

• Develop SOPs, training materials, and guidelines for investigators for the proper use of flow cytometry instrumentation.
• Present flow cytometry theory, practical applications, and new or expanded technologies within FC-SR.
• Assist with web-based on demand training and educational materials.

Administrative tasks:

• Support billing and scheduling for users including communicating through email, phone, or in person, instrument issues or scheduling changes and/or conflicts.
• Assist in maintaining and ordering laboratory supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree OR
• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant scientific experience: OR
• Associate’s degree and 5 years of relevant scientific experience, OR
• GED/High School Diploma and 7 years of relevant scientific experience
• Field of Education: in biology, microbiology, biochemistry or related physical or biological science. Experience can be used in place of specific science degree.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new flow cytometry instruments, operate and maintain all FC-SR flow cytometers, cell sorters, and CyTOF instruments.
• Working knowledge of flow cytometry software (FlowJo, SpectroFlo, DIVA, Chorus, etc.) and practical applications in conventional and spectral cytometry. Understanding of Mass Cytometry CyTOF instrumentation and software.
• Strong understanding of flow cytometry theory and practical applications including imaging cytometry.
• Excellent communication skills and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented, shared resource lab environment.
• Experience with MS Office suite of applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, One Drive, etc.).
• Experience with cloud-based software and tools (FlowJo, BD Research Cloud, Cytek Cloud, Fluorofinder, etc.).
• Record keeping and database management skills.
• Capable of undertaking work with minimal supervision and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $32.63 to $48.93 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 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), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).

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.