Lab Aide (Work Study)

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 Lapointe lab is driven by questions that underlie how human messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and the ribosome are regulated to determine when, where, and how much of a protein to synthesize. Dysregulated protein synthesis is a near-universal feature of cancer and a hallmark of viral infections. Yet, molecular mechanisms for how translation is controlled remain poorly defined. We therefore examine the interplay between the mRNA, the translation initiation machinery, and the vast repertoire of human and viral proteins that define the efficiency of protein synthesis in space and time. To overcome long-standing challenges, we integrate single-molecule spectroscopy and structural approaches using purified components with high-throughput functional assays in vitro and in cells. Our goal is to define foundational molecular models that lay the groundwork to develop new therapeutics.

This is a work-study opening. Work-study is a college / university program that enables part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, affording them assistance with educational expenses. Applicants eligible to apply need to have the following:
• Currently on or will be eligible for off-campus work-study during the upcoming academic school year.

You will be required to submit Financial Aid documentation confirming work study eligibility for off-campus work prior to interview

• The work will involve routine handling of bacterial cultures, DNA and RNA molecular biology (e.g., PCR, mutagenesis, in vitro mRNA transcription), protein purifications, in vitro translation assays, and presentation and organizational tasks.
• Secondary responsibilities include lab management, ordering scientific lab supplies, and maintaining equipment.
• Based on interest and ability, they may also develop and execute independent, small-scale research projects, which may lead to authorship on scientific publications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A high school diploma or GED and enrollment in a university-level science degree program (e.g., biology, chemistry, or biochemistry).
• This position is solely open to candidates who are work-study eligible.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous or current coursework in biology and/or chemistry and past laboratory experience.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to learn new skills quickly

The hourly pay range for this position is from $20.76 to $29.54 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

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). Paid time off is prorated for part-time positions.