Research Technician I

Overview

This position is responsible for providing technical laboratory support for biomedical research projects performing both routine and non-routine lab procedures. The Harrison Lab works to understand the mechanisms controlling host-microbe interactions at barrier sites such as the skin and gastrointestinal tract.

We study how our resident commensal microbes influence the development, education and function of our immune system. To do so, we utilize a multi-disciplinary approach combining development and implementation of tools to track commensal-specific T and B cells in healthy and inflamed tissues, with single-cell and population level transcriptomics and epigenetic analyses of T and B cell differentiation to investigate how the host mounts and regulates immunity to the microbiome.

Responsibilities

• Preparing laboratory reagents, chemicals, stocks, cultures and cell lines.

• Basic molecular biology (cloning, plasmid isolation and transformation).

• Production and purification of proteins

• Working with mice, including immunization and surgeries if this is the focus of the project.

• Preparing samples from human blood, stool and tissue using sterile technique.

• Maintain laboratory records by recording detailed data, including photography and computer input, in a literate and thorough manner.

• Conduct lab inventory, complete purchase orders for hardware, glassware, and supplies.

Qualifications

• Requires a BA/BS in a scientific field.

• Must have strong mathematical, computer, data analysis, and statistical analysis skills.

• Will also need knowledge of proper operation of complex laboratory instruments and equipment.

• Must have good verbal and writing skills, and have the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

• May require skill in animal surgery techniques.

• Successful completion and documentation of experiments involving mammalian tissue culture and multiparameter flow cytometry.

Compensation

$22.46 to $31.89 per hour

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision hardware insurance

• Flexible spending accounts: health care, dependent care, commuter

• Short and long-term disability and life and AD&D insurance

• 403(b) retirement plan with matching funds after one year of employment

• PTO: 13 holidays, three weeks of vacation and two weeks of sick leave per year

• Employee assistance program

• Educational assistance program

• Subsidized bus pass

• YMCA rebate and other fitness club discounts

• Voluntary benefits, e.g., pet insurance, accident, critical illness, identify theft

• See benaroyaresearch.org for benefit details

About Us

Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) has a bold mission: Predict, prevent, reverse and cure immune system diseases, from autoimmune disease to cancer to COVID-19. We examine the immune system in both health and disease to understand how disorders start and how to rebalance the immune system back to health. Equipped with innovative tools and robust biorepositories, our team chips away at the biggest mysteries behind these conditions to work toward our vision of a healthy immune system for all. As an independent non-profit organization within Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we collaborate with clinicians to accelerate the path from innovative lab discoveries to life-changing patient care.

At BRI, each role is valued and an important contributor to the vision and mission. BRI is committed to a safe, caring and diverse workplace; as well as to taking action to further our commitment to foster inclusion, equity and belonging so employees feel comfortable bringing their full selves to work. Consider making a difference, join our team. Because together, we are Powering Possibility.

To learn more, visit benaroyaresearch.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status. If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 206-287-5646 or email jobs@benaroyaresearch.org.