Research Technician I

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 Rajan Laboratory uses the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to study how adipose tissue communicates nutrient status to the brain. Our work seeks to uncover fundamental mechanisms of inter-organ communication and metabolic regulation.

We seek a dependable, organized Research Technician I to join our collaborative research group. The primary responsibilities are Drosophila husbandry and day-to-day laboratory operations; the technician will also provide hands-on experimental support for ongoing studies. Working with guidance from senior laboratory members, the technician will maintain the fly stocks and shared resources on which the laboratory's research depends.

This position is well suited to someone who enjoys hands-on work, takes pride in supporting a team, and wants to develop scientific skills through close mentorship. Training in fly genetics, tissue dissection, and microscopy will connect daily responsibilities to the laboratory's broader scientific questions.

Learn more: akhilalab.org

Drosophila Husbandry and Laboratory Operations (Primary)

Maintain Drosophila stocks through scheduled transfers, accurate labeling, inventory updates, and routine checks for stock health and contamination.
• Prepare fly food and routine reagents; sort flies, set up genetic crosses, and collect animals for experiments using established protocols.
• Support laboratory operations through ordering, supply inventories, routine equipment upkeep, and organization of shared work areas.
• Maintain accurate records in shared documentation systems, follow laboratory safety procedures, and communicate task status, concerns, and coverage needs promptly.

Experimental Support

• Perform adult tissue dissections, immunostaining, sample preparation, and microscopy, following training and under scientific supervision.
• As proficiency and laboratory needs allow, assist with additional established procedures, which may include immunoprecipitation and molecular cloning.
• Record and organize experimental data under guidance, participate in laboratory meetings and journal clubs, and contribute to shared laboratory duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated scientific knowledge in the area of study.
• Demonstrated basic laboratory skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Hands-on laboratory experience gained through coursework, research, employment, or equivalent training.
• Demonstrated care and consistency in recurring tasks, with strong organizational skills and attention to labeling and recordkeeping.
• Ability to follow protocols, ask questions when uncertain, incorporate feedback, and work effectively under supervision.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $23.91 to $34.05 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).