Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.
Since 2001, Fred Hutch has led an array of distinctive research activities in partnership with colleagues in South Africa to accelerate the development of a preventive HIV vaccine and improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer and infectious diseases worldwide. In 2013, Fred Hutch opened the state-of-the-art Cape Town HVTN Immunology Laboratory to serve as a base for HIV vaccine trials in South Africa. The HIV Vaccine Trials Network, or HVTN, a Hutch-based international collaboration of scientists and educators, opened two major trials in 2016 to test strategies for preventing HIV infection, including a study of a candidate vaccine which, if shown to be at least 50 percent protective, could become the world’s first licensed HIV vaccine.
At Fred Hutch, we believe that the innovation, collaboration, and rigor that result from diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission of eliminating cancer and related diseases. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an antiracist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, antiracism, and inclusion.
Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for monitoring all specimen activities for the laboratory including specimen requests, tracking, receipt, inventory and shipping. This position will also assist with laboratory procurement, inventory management, equipment management and other laboratory work as needed. Responsibilities include:
Sample Management and Repository
Work with the CHIL Repository Technician and Laboratory Manager to:
- Receive, store and ship clinical specimens in accordance with regulations (i.e. IATA), Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
- Track specimens and store laboratory samples using a computerized LIMS system and work with system programmers to maintain the inventory database
- Pull specimens as needed for laboratory assays
- Assist with repository audits as needed
Sample Processing and Laboratory Assays
- Receive, process, and store research specimens following established SOPs. Sample processing will involve blood processing for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), serum, plasma, as well as other blood processing or processing of other sample types
- Assist with thawing and counting of specimens as needed
Laboratory Operations
- Work with the Laboratory Manager to coordinate repairs and service of lab equipment (e.g., pipettes) and assist with obtaining quotes and purchasing of equipment and ensuring the equipment inventory is up to date
- Provide support for laboratory inventory management, assisting with purchasing of laboratory supplies and reagents, working with the inventory database and supporting continuous improvement processes
- Assist Quality Assurance Associate with review of laboratory documentation as needed
- Share on-call duties with lab personnel to respond to equipment alarms in a timely manner after normal work hours (off-hours)
- Contribute to the development of the laboratory environment (e.g. laboratory safety)
- May support additional laboratory work, facilities, and administrative work as needed
General Duties
- Follow lab protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs); conduct all work according to Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) guidelines and auditable-standards, ensuring accurate and timely reporting and record keeping
- Attend and participate in appropriate laboratory meetings
- Other duties, as required
Qualifications:
- Laboratory Technician diploma/certificate 5+ years of experience in a routine or research laboratory setting
- Experience with Specimen Processing (especially PBMC processing) and LIMS systems strongly preferred
- Experience working under GCLP guidelines desired
- Experience in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Outlook and Excel desired
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Good numeracy, literacy and organizational skills
- Ability to follow lab protocols and Standard Operating Procedures
- Experience with computerized systems for labs
- Good communication skills and an interest in learning
- Good interpersonal and time management skills and ability to work in a team
- Willingness to be flexible in working hours, including working evenings and weekends as needed
- Motivation and adaptability with a keen interest in the HIV field
- Ability to lift 20kg
- Experience working with LN2 and ultralow freezers will be given preference
- Completion of IATA shipping certification is required during the first six months
Our Commitment to Diversity: We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. 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 are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and 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 our Employee Services Center at [email protected] or by calling 206-667-4700.