Clinical Research Specimen Processing Specialist I

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. 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 Clinical Research Specialist I is responsible for supporting the needs of clinical investigators at Fred Hutch as users of the Clinical Research Specimen Processing shared resource (CRSP). The Clinical Research Specialist will support scientific research by handling and processing clinical research specimens in accordance with standard operating procedures while maintaining strict chain of custody. The Specialist will operate and maintain lab instrumentation, record and track specimen data, perform calculations, and prepare charts, graphs and summaries. This is an entry level position within CRSP 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

• Research Support: Works under the direction of the Supervisor or higher-level laboratory personnel. Uses limited discretion and judgment in processing clinical research blood and tissue specimens according to SOPs and study-prescribed laboratory manuals. Support lab supply ordering and maintenance of appropriate levels of supply stocking.
• Bench work duties: Performs bench work as assigned. Processing clinical research specimens (e.g., blood tissue, urine, etc.) for fractionation and preservation (e.g., plasma/serum, PBMC, slides, etc). Shipping processed specimens to central labs and collaborators. Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents, stocks.
• Research development: Establish and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with lab members and resource users in daily CRPL operation and service needs.
• Equipment Oversight: Perform basic equipment operation and maintenance or coordinate with senior staff to complete maintenance on equipment and software.
• 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 aides.
• Administrative tasks: Maintain laboratory records and compile data on experiments and assays.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required: bachelor’s degree Field of Education: Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Work Experience can be substituted for education: 2-3 years of work experience in a related field or clinical research processing, in addition to school lab experience is usually necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new protocols and techniques;
• Ability to learn and operate all specimen processing equipment in accordance with biosafety standards.
• 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 accurate record keeping and data entry.

The hourly pay range for this position is from $29.77 to $42.39 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).

Additional Information

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. 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 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 Human Resources at hrops@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.