Research Technician I-II, Human Immunology - HVTN/CoVPN

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 Hutchs 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 nations first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Womens Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.

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RESEARCH TECHNICIAN I/II- McElrath Laboratory

This research opportunity is with the McElrath laboratory, HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) and Coronavirus Prevention Network (CoVPN). Our lab is recruiting a research technician to primarily perform assays to characterize antiviral T and B-cell responses. S/he will be expected to perform complex research assays, utilizing flow cytometry to evaluate vaccine-induced cellular immune responses in vaccine recipients participating in clinical trials of investigational vaccines for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis (MTB), and Ebola. S/he will be responsible for performing and coordinating the assays with other technicians and analyzing the data. S/he will interpret and report on experimental results and assist with data presentation. S/he will assist in writing laboratory SOPs, reports, and other documentation. S/he will report to a project manager and work closely with a technical team.

The HVTNs mission is to facilitate the process of testing preventive vaccines against HIV/AIDS or other infectious diseases. The organization conducts all phases of clinical trials from evaluating experimental vaccines for safety and the ability to stimulate immune responses through to testing vaccine efficacy. The HVTN laboratory is responsible for conducting laboratory-based studies to evaluate the immunogenicity of investigational vaccines.

• Maintain a high level of accuracy for all work.
• Work well as team-member, participate in positive communication, and foster an environment that allows all laboratory staff to work well together.
• Independently perform flow cytometry, FACS sorting, and other experimental assays, such as MSD, ELISpot and ELISAs.
• Perform flow cytometry (intracellular cytokine staining and FACS sorting), ELISPOT and MSD/Luminex/ELISAs for characterization and monitoring of T and B cell responses.
• Proactively prepare reagents for experiments and for general lab use.
• Troubleshoot and optimize experimental methods, results and analysis.
• Maintain accurate documentation for experiments and quality control for the laboratory.
• Carry out maintenance, trouble-shooting and QC of laboratory equipment.
• Review the literature to stay informed on the HIV vaccine field or immunological assays.
• May perform data analysis, interpretation, and statistical analyses.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A bachelors degree in immunology or biological science
• 2 years of laboratory experience.
  • Research Techn I minimum qualifications- BA/BS in a scientific field required. Must have scientific knowledge in the area of study and basic laboratory skills. Independent research experience in addition to school lab experience is usually necessary.
  • Research Techn II minimum qualifications- Intermediate level position requires a BA/BS and 2+ years experience working in a laboratory. Independent research experience outside of laboratory course work is required.
• Specific experience with flow cytometry, immunology, cellular assays, and tissue culture are preferred.
• Motivation, adaptability and ability to be a strong team player are essential, as is a keen interest in the HIV vaccine field.
• The candidate must be someone with great attention to details, well-organized, self-motivated, and able to efficiently manage time and experiments.
• Experience in a GLP or GCLP setting or clinical experience, with strong documentation skills is also desirable. Applicants must be willing to work with biohazardous/infectious agents (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, including HIV-1) and also be flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends. Salary will be commensurate with appropriate experience.

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 HR Operations at HRops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.