Laboratory Containment Technician

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 Environmental, Health, and Safety (EH&S) Department manages a comprehensive safety program to support both research and clinical operations. The Laboratory Containment Technician is responsible for the certification, testing, inspection, and documentation of biological safety cabinets (BSCs), clean benches, laminar flow workstations, chemical fume hoods, and other laboratory containment devices used in biomedical and cancer research environments, including BSL-2, BSL-2-enhanced, and vivarium facilities at the direction of the Biosafety Officer.

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.

This position ensures that laboratory containment equipment operates in accordance with applicable standards, manufacturer specifications, institutional requirements, and laboratory safety practices to support research integrity, product protection, and personnel safety. The Technician performs field testing, prepares certification reports, manages calibration and maintenance of testing equipment, identifies equipment deficiencies, maintains equipment inventory and works directly with researchers, laboratory managers, facilities personnel, and vendors to maintain safe and compliant laboratory operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Perform certification, performance testing, and recertification of biological safety cabinets (Class I/II), clean benches, laminar flow workstations, PCR enclosures, and chemical fume hoods.
• Conduct all testing in accordance with applicable standards and guidelines (e.g., NSF/ANSI 49, ASHRAE 110, institutional policies, and industry best practices).
• Evaluate and verify airflow performance, HEPA filter integrity, and containment using methods such as face velocity measurements, airflow visualization (smoke studies), and containment testing.
• Troubleshoot equipment deficiencies, support repairs and commissioning activities, and recommend corrective actions to restore compliance and performance.
• Prepare and maintain certification reports, test records, equipment inventories, and calibration documentation for testing instruments.
• Coordinate certification schedules and activities with laboratory personnel, facilities staff, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance on containment equipment operation, performance expectations, and best practices to support safe laboratory operations.
• Support program development, procedure review, quality assurance initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree in engineering technology, industrial technology, environmental health and safety, biological sciences, or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years' experience performing certification, testing, maintenance, inspection, or troubleshooting of biological safety cabinets, laboratory ventilation devices, or related technical equipment.
• Current NSF/ANSI 49 Accredited Biological Safety Cabinet Field Certifier credential or the ability to obtain certification within twelve months of hire.
• Valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of airflow measurement principles, HEPA filtration systems, and laboratory containment technologies.
• Experience preparing technical reports and maintaining accurate testing and certification records.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to work safely in active research laboratory environments.
• Ability to lift, transport, and operate specialized testing equipment and access equipment installations as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Formal training in NSF/ANSI 49 biological safety cabinet certification procedures.
• Training and practical experience performing laboratory fume hood testing utilizing ASHRAE 110 methodologies.
• Training and practical experience testing class I and II biological safety cabinets, clean benches, laminar flow workstations, and/or ventilated enclosures.
• Experience supporting biomedical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, academic, or cancer research laboratories.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $31.26 to $44.51 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).