Research Technician I

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 Research Technician I will support laboratory studies focused on understanding how the gut microbiome influences gastrointestinal physiology and colorectal cancer development. Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Neelendu Dey, and senior lab members, this role will contribute to experimental workflows involving gnotobiotic animal models, microbial culture, and molecular biology techniques.

This position is ideal for individuals seeking hands-on experience in translational microbiome research and exposure to interdisciplinary approaches spanning microbiology, cancer biology, and host-microbe interactions.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Research Support:

• Assist with execution of experiments involving microbiome and gastrointestinal biology.
• Support studies using gnotobiotic (germ-free) and colonized mouse models.
• Perform basic molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR).
• Prepare and maintain bacterial cultures, including anaerobic techniques as needed.

Sample Processing & Data Collection:

• Process biological samples (e.g., stool, tissue, blood) for downstream analysis.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and assist with data organization.
• Support preparation of samples for sequencing (e.g., metagenomics workflows).

Lab Operations:

• Maintain laboratory organization, supplies, and equipment.
• Follow biosafety, animal care, and institutional compliance protocols (IACUC, EH&S).
• Assist with ordering reagents and maintaining inventory.

Collaboration & Learning:

• Work closely with postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research staff.
• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to team-based research efforts.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Formal training in data science, bioinformatics, or computational biology (e.g., coursework, certificate, minor, or structured program).
• Familiarity with at least one programming or analysis environment (e.g., R, Python, or similar).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Willingness to work with animal models.
• Prior experience with:
  • Microbiology or bacterial culture techniques
  • Molecular biology methods (PCR, DNA/RNA extraction)
  • Microbiome or sequencing data analysis
  • Animal handling or gnotobiotic models
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools or pipelines (e.g., QIIME2, metagenomics workflows)
• Interest in cancer biology, gastrointestinal research, or host-microbe interactions

The hourly pay range for this position is from $23.33 to $33.21 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.