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 Biospecimen Specialist I is responsible for supporting the Biospecimen Processing and Biorepository (BPB) needs of researchers at Fred Hutch. The Biospecimen Specialist will perform standard laboratory work in support of scientific research by performing bench-level experiments, processing biospecimens, operating analytical instruments, compiling research data; performing calculations; preparing charts, graphs and summaries, entering laboratory data in database. This is an entry level position within the BPB-SR with substantial room for growth.

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, all employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to our values of collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity, and respect.

Responsibilities

PRIMARY/ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Research Support:

• Uses limited discretion and judgment in carrying out biospecimen processing and biorepository related tasks.
• Support lab supply ordering and maintenance of appropriate levels of supply stocking.
• Performs bench work as assigned.
• Processing biospecimen from various sources for isolation and preservation of PBMC, plasma and others.
• DNA and RNA extraction from research samples such as whole blood, FFPE, and cell or tissue samples.
• Cell culturing including B cell transformation.
• Mycoplasma testing and sample quantification and testing.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents and stocks.
• Research support performed by this position is mainly SOP directed and ensures that the Specialist develops a strong understanding of the fundamental science performed in a specific shared resource.

Research development:

• Establish and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with lab members and resource users in daily BPB-SR operation and service needs.

Equipment Oversight:

• Perform basic equipment operation and maintenance or coordinate and complete maintenance on some equipment and software; potentially review and identify new equipment needs.
• Assist in supply

Training and Education:

• Assist in developing and modifying lab protocols, training materials, and specimen handling guidelines for investigators.
• May supervise work-study students, interns and lab aids.

Administrative tasks:

• Maintain laboratory records and compile data on experiments and assays.
• Report results to users; accurate documentation of laboratory activities; perform basic billing requirements

Other:

• Other duties as assigned.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Level of autonomy:

• A Biospecimen Specialist I will communicate day-to-day lab needs to the supervisor or senior staff.
• This position has no responsibility for supervision of others except if work-study students, interns or lab aids.
• There is high oversight and training from the resource director and senior staff and partial interfacing with resource users.

Financial responsibility:

• This role does not have direct financial responsibility but will assist in billing and review of charge codes as required.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate Degree and 1+ years of experience, OR
• GED/ High School Diploma and 3+ years of experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new protocols and techniques;
• Ability to learn and operate all specimen processing and repository equipment.
• Strong communication skills and organizational skills;
• Ability to work in a collaborative team-oriented environment;
• Experience with MS Office suite of applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, One Drive, etc);
• Capable of record keeping and database entry;
• Fully understanding of the biosafety requirements related to biospecimen and lab environment.

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 $29.19 to $41.56 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