Laboratory Technician II

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 in the Basic Sciences Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center uses multidisciplinary approaches to study inter-organ communication using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Our research focuses on understanding how adipose tissue communicates nutrient status to the brain, and how chronic nutrient surplus disrupts this communication, contributing to metabolic disease.

By examining these questions in a genetically tractable model organism, the lab aims to generate fundamental insights into metabolic regulation that can inform broader approaches to obesity and related disorders.

Additional information about the Rajan Lab can be found at: http://akhilalab.org

Under the direct supervision of senior laboratory members, the Lab Technician II will support ongoing research projects by performing routine laboratory tasks and assisting with general lab operations. Primary responsibilities include:

Performing routine laboratory tasks such as weighing materials, mixing chemicals, performing calculations, and running standard tests under close supervision.
• Maintaining Drosophila stocks, including routine flipping of fly stocks and basic husbandry tasks.
• Preparing fly food, including high-sugar diet (HSD) preparation, and autoclaving water and other reagents as needed.
• Assisting with sample preparation, including basic dissection, fixation, and staining steps under direct guidance.
• Cleaning, organizing, and performing minor maintenance on laboratory equipment and shared lab spaces.
• Supporting general laboratory operations, including receiving and organizing fly food shipments, returning vials, restocking consumables, and maintaining inventory.
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records and following established SOPs.
• Participating in laboratory meetings and group discussions.
• Performing additional duties as needed to support laboratory research activities.

This role is expected to operate under close supervision, consistent with a Lab Technician II appointment.

Training and Career Development

This position is intended as an entry point for a candidate transitioning from undergraduate study into a research environment. The Lab Technician II will receive structured mentoring during the bridge period and will gain hands-on exposure to lab operations, fly genetics, and biochemical workflows in preparation for transition into the Research Technician I role.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• One year of college coursework emphasizing laboratory science or equivalent or one year experience as a Laboratory Tech I or equivalent.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong attention to detail and reliability in executing routine laboratory tasks.
• Ability to follow instructions, accept feedback, and work productively under close supervision.
• Good organizational skills and time management.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team.
• College-level chemistry coursework.
• Prior exposure to bench research (e.g., undergraduate laboratory courses, lab aide experience, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated scientific curiosity and motivation to learn experimental techniques.
• Interest in committing to the position for a minimum of two years, to allow for meaningful training and contribution following transition into the Research Technician I role.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $23.33 to $33.21 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).