Overview:
Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.
At Fred Hutch, we believe that the innovation, collaboration, and rigor that result from diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission of eliminating cancer and related diseases. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an antiracist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, antiracism, and inclusion.
The Adair Laboratory, is housed within the Clinical Research Division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch) in Seattle, Washington, a world-leading research institution for scientific advancement in oncology, hematology and cell and gene therapy. The Adair Lab strives to build on recent major advances in the field of gene therapy in hematopoietic stem cells and immunotherapy, to develop novel gene-editing delivery platforms that improve the safety and accessibility of transformative treatments for patients with rare diseases, including hereditary anemias, severe combined immunodeficiencies and genetic metabolic disorders as well as cancer and infectious disease, globally. The core technology developed by the laboratory is a gold nanoparticle chassis with modular targeting components for the delivery of nucleases and nucleic acids, which has been demonstrated to edit hematopoietic stem cells and T-cells in vitro and in vivo.
The Adair lab is a diverse and inclusive environment, passionately dedicated to the advancement of gene therapy for the benefit of all, to the educational and professional development of its team members, as well as to coffee-drinking, pastry consumption, hiking, climbing, kayaking and generally not taking ourselves as seriously as we take our work.
Responsibilities:
The research associate will probe the biology of nanoparticle-mediated editing of hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo and engineer novel nanoparticle formulations to help improve precision cell targeting and efficiency of gene editing. The research associate will be mentored by the PI and other senior members of the research team and will publish and present their work in both internal and external forums, including international conferences. The position will oversee 1-2 research technicians.
Design and execute experiments to evaluate novel regimens for hematopoietic stem cell gene editing in vivo
Investigate kinetics and performance of hematopoietic cells including stem and T cells following treatment methods to improve performance using multiple models of mobilization or localized delivery
Multiparameter flow cytometry and characterization of cell populations pre- and post-treatment
Engage in scientific discussions with academic collaborators to critically evaluate, plan, and steer experiments
Prepare technical reports needed to support exploratory project moving into development
Exercise independent judgment in development of new methods, techniques and evaluation criteria
Manage team of PhD and non-PhD scientists to achieve goals
Qualifications:
A PhD, MD or similar advanced degree in a scientific field is preferred. Individuals without an advanced degree, but with extensive relevant training and experience may be considered.
Highly motivated and able to work independently to design and execute experiments as evidenced by a publication record in cell/molecular biology, nanomedicine or gene therapy.
Possess knowledge of cell/molecular biology skills including:
Cell culture including cell lines and primary human hematopoietic stem cells and/or T cells
Assembly of nanomaterials including biological cargo such as RNA, DNA or protein
Dynamic light scattering and/or nanomaterial characterization
Preclinical models (in vitro and in vivo)
Flow cytometry
Molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, DNA, RNA and protein isolation and analysis
Ability to work in a team environment, meet deadlines, and prioritize and balance work from multiple sources, be a good lab citizen and colleague
Good problem-solving ability
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, with an ability to embrace change and multi-task in an extremely fast-paced environment
Excellent communication skills and ability to influence across multiple functions
Ready to embrace the principles of the Fred Hutch and Adair Lab culture
Fred Hutch has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement, with exceptions only for approved medical or religious accommodations.
As a condition of employment, newly hired employees must provide proof of vaccination or initiate the accommodations process before their first day of employment.
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.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Cover letter discussing your interest in this position
Curriculum Vitae
Our Commitment to Diversity: We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to our Employee Services Center at [email protected] or by calling 206-667-4700.