Overview

This research opportunity is with the McElrath Lab within the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Division. Under supervision of a staff scientist, the position will support assays characterizing B and T cell receptor repertoire sequencing including supporting the antigen-specific B cell receptor single cell sequencing pipeline with other members of the molecular profiling team in the context of HIV and TB vaccine trials. They will assist in the development of high-complexity molecular assays and single cell-based assays such as SMART-seq and CITE-Seq, as well as transcriptional profiling of bulk PBMCs to characterize vaccine induced cellular and molecular immune responses.

They will be responsible for performing a variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques independently and coordinating some assays with other technicians. They will be involved in data management, interpretation and reporting on experimental results and assist with data presentation for lab meetings, conferences and manuscripts. They will maintain detailed laboratory records including reporting experimental results. They will assist in the development and maintenance of laboratory quality control (QC) methods and records, which may require adherence to GCLP (Good Clinical Lab Practice) standards.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute documented protocols, maintain a high level of accuracy for all work and keep detailed records for experiments
• Troubleshoot and optimize experimental methods, update the team of any deviations
• Proactively prepare reagents for experiments and for general lab use
• Perform molecular procedures including but not limited to sequencing sample preparation (sanger, NGS, PacBio, SMART-Seq, etc.)
• Design and implement assays for gene expression by high density multiplex PCR and/or digital droplet PCR, RT-qPCR, single cell assays such as SMART-seq
• Operate and carry out basic maintenance and QC of laboratory equipment as needed
• Maintain study specific reagent inventories
• Primer and probe design (PCR, qPCR, NGS, etc.)
• Optimization and experimental design experience, writing of standard operating procedure and study specific procedures
• DNA and RNA extraction from blood and tissue
• Engage in developing novel assays, modifying and refining procedures and techniques to obtain optimal results
• Review the literature to stay informed on the HIV/TB/SARS-Cov-2 vaccine field and/or new emerging immunological assays
• Work well as team-member, participate in positive communication, and foster an environment that allows all laboratory staff to work well together.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5 years of experience working in a lab outside of school coursework (or equivalent combination of advanced degree and work experience).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with immunology, COVID, HIV/AIDS, TB and/or molecular assay including HIV viral sequencing including primer design, NGS library preparation (Illumina, Advanta Seq, Smart-Seq), Real time PCR, digital droplet PCR are strongly desired including experience in primer and probe design.
• Motivation and adaptability are essential, as is a keen interest in the HIV vaccine field.
• Great attention to detail, well-organized, self-motivated, and able to efficiently manage time and experiments.
• Willing to work with biohazardous/infectious agents (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 & HIV-1) also be flexible and willing to work some evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrated scientific knowledge in the area of study.
• Knowledge of HIV structure and critical genomic elements.
• Ability to generate and refine large nucleotide alignments of diverse sequences.
• Primer and probe design (PCR, qPCR, NGS, etc.).
• Extensive NGS knowledge and library prep experience (Illumina, Advanta-Seq, 10X Genomics 5' immune profiling, SMART-seq, etc).
• Highly self-motivated and trustworthy.
• Willingness to take up new skills and responsibilities.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Capability of working independently in a teamwork environment.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Competency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, Geneious Prime.

The annual base salary range for this position is from $80,172 to $104,249, 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).

Additional Information