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 Talbot Lab, within the Basic Sciences Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, is recruiting a highly motivated Research Technician I to support studies on how gut neurons and immune cells communicate to control intestinal immunity, secretion, and metabolism.

The Talbot lab studies the gut-brain axis, and how gut neurons sense diet and microbes, regulating immunity, metabolism, and nutrition. A central focus of the lab is neuroimmune circuits, meaning the ways neurons and immune cells communicate with each other in the intestine. For that, we use mouse models, molecular immunology, flow cytometry and cell sorting, whole-mount tissue imaging, calcium imaging, single-cell genomics, CRISPR-Cas9 genetic alterations, and diet engineering. One objective of our studies is to develop dietary strategies that use the modulation of gut neurons to combat gastrointestinal-associated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gut infections, malabsorption conditions, and metabolic disturbances. This research offers the opportunity to study the intersection of different areas including neurobiology, physiology, immunology, host-microbiota interactions, nutrition, and gastroenterology.

This position is well suited for recent graduates who plan to apply to graduate school (PhD or MD/PhD) and want to gain hands-on research experience first. The research tech will receive training in core laboratory techniques, will take part in the scientific reasoning behind experiments, and can contribute to publications. Dr. Talbot is committed to mentoring lab members and supporting their career development, including advice on graduate school applications. If the candidate is interested, there is a possibility for the candidate to be selected for the Fred Hutch Postbaccalaureate Program.

More information: https://www.jhimmylab.org/

Responsibilities

The research technician will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Talbot, and in close collaboration with other lab members, on projects investigating the role of neural circuits in intestinal immunity and homeostasis using mouse models. Responsibilities include:

• Perform bench experiments in immunology and neurobiology, including intestinal tissue dissection, isolation of immune cells and neurons, flow cytometry and cell sorting, immunostaining, and microscopy.
• Perform molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, and genotyping.
• Coordinate care of the laboratory mouse colony, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, and record-keeping.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data, and prepare figures, graphs, and summary reports.
• Contribute to the daily operation of the laboratory, including lab safety, ordering, inventory, and equipment maintenance.
• Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and project discussions, engaging actively in the scientific reasoning behind experiments.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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