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. These values are grounded in and expressed through the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. 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. Fred Hutch is in pursuit of becoming an anti-racist organization. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates hired share our commitment to diversity, anti-racism and inclusion.
The Experimental Histopathology (EH) department provides an essential service of high quality and highly technical histology services support for Fred Hutch and external investigators. EH personnel perform all aspects of histology including tissue preservation, processing and basic to highly complex staining, digital imaging and image analysis for support of high impact research and publication. The Laboratory Assistant will support all histology services including with accessioning, equipment maintenance, inventory control and reagent preparation according to established procedures. Individuals in this position may also be responsible for communication with investigators to troubleshoot sample submission and advise on best practices to obtain high quality results.
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.
ResponsibilitiesThe Experimental Histopathology Laboratory Assistant is responsible for assisting in routine and customized slide-based assays to support Fred Hutch research efforts. The Laboratory Assistant provides generalized support for all histology services. This individual follows developed procedures to prepare reagents, accession and route work requests and maintain equipment. In addition, this individual helps to maintain essential supply inventory and ensures a clean and organized work environment for quality and efficiency of services.
Primary/Essential Duties:
Accession of new work requests, prepare materials and labels (slides, casettes, etc) and route samples appropriately for completion of work requested. Review materials, verify billing indicated and send out completed work requests for investigator pickup. 50%Perform routine equipment maintenance including tissue processor, automated IHC and H&E stainers, coverslipper and Aperio AT. Document maintenance and/or lot numbers as necessary to ensure best practices. 20%Assist with laboratory inventory including receiving and organizing consumable supplies and maintaining appropriate stock levels. 10%Prepare stock solutions according to established protocols. Label appropriately to ensure adherence to necessary safety regulations as well as for assurance of quality measures. 10%Perform routine brightfield slide imaging using Aperio digital slide scanners. 5%Communicate with investigators submitting work requests to clarify or advise on samples submitted and/or tests required. 5%Other duties as assignedScope of Responsibility:
Level of autonomy: SupervisionFinancial responsibility: No signing authority QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or GEDOne year general laboratory experienceBasic knowledge of laboratory functions and equipmentBasic knowledge of laboratory safetyBasic trouble shooting and problem solving skillsGood written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work positively in a customer oriented environmentFamiliarity in Microsoft Excel, Word and OutlookPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate's degreeOne year Histology/Pathology experienceFamiliar with histology laboratory and proceduresA 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.
The hourly pay range for this position is from $20.00 to $25.45 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), paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks), and partially paid sabbatical leave (up to 6 months).