Career Center

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. These values are grounded in and expressed through the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. 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. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an anti-racist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, anti-racism and inclusion.

A hallmark of many diseases and cancers is the aberrant regulation of chromatin. Much like the cellular genome, viral genomes are compacted in virus particles with small basic molecules to maximize space and be poised for gene expression. Some DNA viruses use cellular histone proteins to compact their genomes whereas others use small basic molecules. The Avgousti lab in the Human Biology Division at Fred Hutch uses a multidisciplinary approach to uncover the mechanisms by which viruses hijack chromatin. Our goal is to advance basic understanding of viral manipulation of chromatin and reveal new aspects of chromatin biology thereby providing new avenues for possible therapeutic advances.

Our current research efforts are divided among studies of (1) a small basic protein from adenovirus, protein VII, that serves to compact its genome while wreaking havoc on the host genome, (2) host histones found on herpesvirus genomes during infection and how they can be exploited to block infection, and (3) using viral tools to block inflammation and cancer progression.

Additional information about research in the Avgousti lab can be found at:

https://research.fhcrc.org/avgousti/en.html

Responsibilities

Research technicians will be responsible for performing standard and investigative laboratory work in support of scientific research by performing bench-level experiments, operating analytical instruments, recovering, compiling and verifying the accuracy of research data; performing calculations; preparing charts, graphs and summaries.

JOB DUTIES

Perform experiments at the bench level to support investigative work.

Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents, stocks, cultures or cell lines.

Perform and modify documented protocols and assays.

Maintain laboratory records and compile data on experiments and assays.

Interpret and report on experimental results.

Perform statistical analysis of test results and prepare written reports on work performed.

Operate and carry out basic maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Order and maintain appropriate levels of supplies.

May supervise work-study students.

Participate in lab meetings and journal clubs.

Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Tech I: 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 required.

Tech II: Intermediate level position requiring 2 years previous experience working in a laboratory and BA/BS. A Master's degree can substitute for 2 years of post-graduation lab experience.

A successful candidate will have scientific curiosity, a high level of self-motivation, the ability to take instruction and correction and to follow directions, good organizational skills, the ability to work and think independently and be able to make at least a two year commitment. The candidate must have a track record of reliability and good verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to distinguish different intensities and hues of red color. This is an ideal position for a recent graduate who wants to gain an intense research experience before pursuing graduate school.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement, with exceptions only for approved medical or religious accommodations. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees must, prior to their first day of employment: Provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 ; ORInitiate the accommodations process to request a religious or medical accommodation (medical accommodations require a healthcare provider's certification).

A statement describing your commitment and contributions toward greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your career or that will be made through your work at Fred Hutch is requested of all finalists.

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 hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.