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.

The Shared Resources Specialist II is responsible for conducting tissue-based assays for spatial biology services at the Experimental Histopathology Core, collaborating with the Genomics & Bioinformatics Core to support internal or external researchers. Responsibilities include sample and reagent preparation, operating laboratory equipment, inventory management, and ensuring a clean workspace for efficient service delivery. This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in biology or molecular biology and an interest in spatial biology techniques and applications.

Responsibilities

Essential Tasks:

• Perform tissue-based (mouse, human, non-human primates, etc.) assay protocols with a high level of precision, ensuring accurate preparation of reagents and dilutions. Operate equipment essential to protocols, including but not limited to thermal cycler, centrifuge, Xenium analyzer, Visium CytAssist, CosMx SMI, and GeoMx DSP. Communicate promptly and frequently with the staff scientist for assignments, protocol optimization, troubleshooting, and project updates. 60%
• Collaborate with histopathologists, pathologists, genomic specialists, lab managers, and other key members of the spatial biology team to plan and troubleshoot new and ongoing projects. Maintain clear and concise communication to provide regular project status updates within the team. 20%
• Support general laboratory maintenance tasks, including reagent preparation and inventory management. order, receive, and organize consumable supplies.10%
• Perform routine maintenance on spatial biology instruments (including but not limited to Xenium analyzer, Visium CytAssist, CosMx SMI, and GeoMx DSP) and participate in instrument-specific training to uphold optimal operational standards. 5%
• Facilitate communication with investigators submitting work requests to coordinate sample and reagent drop-off and storage, ensuring effective logistics management. 5%
• Other duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities:

• Level of Autonomy: The Shared Resources Specialist II will report service issues and needs to the manager on a set schedule. The resource director and senior staff scientist will provide oversight and mentoring for this role. Regular interaction with resource users may be necessary. This position does not include supervisory responsibilities.
• Financial Responsibility: This role does not have direct financial responsibility but will assist in billing.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in life science, molecular biology, or cell biology or similar field, along with 2-3+ years of experience in molecular biology and histology.
• Experience handling mouse and human tissue specimens.
• Experience in basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning, western blot, and immunofluorescence.
• Familiar with laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, PCR machines, pipettes, pH meters, microplate readers and microscopes.
• Demonstrates high accuracy in following protocols and documenting results.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and maintain a well-organized workspace.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills for reporting findings and collaborating with team members.
• Ability to troubleshoot experiments and equipment issues effectively.
• Proficient in standard software applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and Outlook.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in life science, molecular biology, cell biology or similar field, along with 3+ years of experience with PCR, enzyme-based assays, and handling DNA, plasmids, RNA, and proteins.
• Skilled in DNA, plasmid, RNA, and protein extraction, as well as experimentation and handling techniques.
• Familiarity with histology laboratory operations and procedures.
• Knowledge of ISH/multiplex staining procedures.
• Familiarity with digital image analysis software.

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.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $30.30 to $45.43 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications. 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), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 6 months).

Our Commitment to Diversity