Research Technician I/II

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 Research Technician I/II, Science Education Partnership (SEP) is essential for the success of the SEP Kit Loan Program. SEP has a 35+ year history of providing professional development and educational materials/equipment to Washington State secondary science teachers and currently offers just over 100 educational kits of 33 different types-serving over 15,000 students annually across the state.

The Research Technician is responsible for providing quality service to our teacher and student community by packing and restocking classroom-bound kits and supplies, preparing and precisely aliquoting lab reagents and media, performing calculations and quality control checks, operating analytical instruments, and troubleshooting lab issues. The SEP Research Technician will also perform administrative tasks in support of Science Education programming.

This is a full-time, on-site position that reports to the Lab Manager, SEP. Ideal candidates will be highly detail-oriented, have a passion for science education and an interest in utilizing their lab experience and scientific knowledge to support science teachers across Washington.

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.

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter with your application.

Kit and Materials Preparation, Lab Support:

Pack, unpack, inspect, and inventory kit items
• Prepare and precisely aliquot lab reagents (media, plasmids, DNA markers, E. coli slants, etc.), maintain backup stocks.
• Perform quality control tests, help identify problems in protocols and in consultation with the Lab Manager, implement modifications to optimize results.
• Troubleshoot existing lab protocols when needed; conduct literature reviews to assist in determining most suitable methods to be used in protocols.
• Prepare and present written or oral progress reports, including assembly, organization, and interpretation of data.
• Perform minor maintenance and repair of laboratory apparatus and instruments.
• Maintain lab cleanliness and organization.

Data Entry and Administrative Tasks:

• Assist with teacher-kit scheduling, kit tracking, and data entry in our Airtable database.
• Provide technical support for the SEP inventory system.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of SEP's external communications, including email, newsletter and social media.
• Assist the SEP team with other administrative tasks (ex: data entry/collection, mailing etc.).

Curriculum and Education Support:

• Assist with improvements to the Kit Loan Program; may be responsible for the performance of individual projects.
• In conjunction with the SEP team, assist in the publication of new curricula by contributing ideas, creating and troubleshooting new protocols for classroom use, drafting student and teacher written resources, proofreading, editing.
• Create new protocols and troubleshoot their effectiveness for classroom use.
• Participate in delivering Science Education programming.

Training and Supporting Kit Interns and consultants:

• Under the supervision of Science Education staff, train new undergraduate or high school student interns, or consultants.
• Other duties as assigned.

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:

• Highly organized with keen attention to detail
• Ability to follow directions with fidelity, ask for clarification when needed, and perform duties independently
• Ability to prioritize among shifting demands
• Punctual and reliable, with strong time management skills
• Experienced in reagent preparation: Comfort with performing routine mathematical calculations (e.g. concentrations) and understanding of orders of magnitude/ unit conversion
• Understanding of scientific practices and experimental design (including the role of controls)
• Strong scientific reasoning ability and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, including strong writing skills
• Client/Customer service experience (strong customer service skills)
• Molecular biology lab experience: able to execute tasks with precision (handling reagents, micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, PCR, bacterial transformation, plasmid preparation, etc.)
• College coursework in biology and chemistry with quantitative analytical skills
• Experience with inventory tracking
• Commitment to supporting science education

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter with your application.

Research Technician I: The hourly pay range for this position is from $ 23.91 to $ 34.05 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

Research Technician II: The hourly pay range for this position is from $27.68 to $39.41 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).