Research Trainee Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

The Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist to join their Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI) team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Research Scientist Senior at the Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI), the Research Scientist 3 is responsible for promoting the research objectives of the UW CVI in the Division of Hematology & Oncology. This professional research position works directly with clinical and laboratory-based faculty members who specialize in translational immunotherapy research targeting a variety of cancers. The Research Scientist will play a key role in implementing clinical trials that test new cancer therapies by generating reliable and interpretable laboratory data from clinical research specimens to support evaluation of immune responses, treatment-related biomarkers, and mechanisms of response or resistance. Working under general guidance, the Research Scientist 3 will select and apply standardized procedures and techniques in the development, execution, validation, and troubleshooting of immunologic and translational biomarker assays used in cancer vaccine and immunotherapy clinical trials.

The Research Scientist works on-site at the UW Medicine at South Lake Union campus.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations and Assay Execution (65%)

• Perform skilled immunologic assay execution and serve as an experienced scientific and technical resource in identifying issues and problem-solving approaches.
• Ensure reagent and equipment qualification. Prepare and maintain laboratory reagents, chemicals, instruments and supplies. Order reagents and keep track of laboratory supplies, reagent lots, and inventory.
• Process, isolate, cryopreserve, thaw, count, and assess PBMC and/or other immune cell populations from clinical research blood.
• Perform cytokine ELISpot / FluoroSpot assays
• Perform multiparameter flow cytometry and identify cytokine-producing T cells using intracellular staining.
• Stimulate and culture primary cells in vitro for up to several months
• Conduct ELISA/Luminex assays to measure cytokine production
• Perform lymphoproliferative assays and cytolytic killing assays
• Perform nucleic acid purification from blood, PBMCs, tissue, FFPE specimens, and other biospecimens.
• Support NGS-related sample preparation, including nucleic acid QC, library preparation workflows, and sample preparation for sequencing or external vendor submission.
• Support tissue-based and spatial omics sample preparation, including FFPE/frozen tissue handling, slide preparation, and specimen preparation for multiplex or spatial biomarker assays.

Assay Development, Optimization, and Quality Support (15%)

• Contribute to the development, optimization, qualification, validation, and implementation of new or modified laboratory procedures and assays. Integrate new ideas, procedures, and routines as necessary.
• Support assay troubleshooting, development, reagent lot comparison, method bridging, equipment qualification, and assay performance review.
• Utilize broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures to develop, write and revise SOPs, worksheets, forms, sample handling instructions, and technical documents.

Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting (10%)

• Maintain accurate records of sample receipt, processing, assay setup, reagent lots, equipment use, QC results, deviations, and data analysis.
• Collect, review, analyze, and interpret results. Identify technical issues and recommend procedure modifications as needed.
• Prepare data summaries, reports, tables, figures, and technical updates for laboratory leadership, collaborators, and study teams.

Communication, Collaboration, and Technical Guidance (10%)

• Interact with investigators, clinical teams, coordinators, external collaborators, vendors, and clinical trial sites regarding sample collection, processing, shipping, testing, and data deliverables.
• Contribute to positive workplace relationships through professional, efficient, and timely interactions on current assignments and projects.
• Serve as an experienced technical resource/mentor, monitor the work of others, and provide technical guidance, coaching, or training support to junior staff, trainees, fellows, or collaborators as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these minimum qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager

• Bachelor's degree in biology, immunology, molecular biology, or related field and four years of experience in a clinical research setting.

Additional Qualifications

• Significant hands-on experience in cellular immunology, immune monitoring, tissue culture, and clinical research sample handling.
• Experience with PBMC processing, cryopreservation/thawing, flow cytometry, ELISPOT, and related functional immune assays.
• Familiarity with nucleic acid purification, NGS-related sample preparation, tissue-based assays, or spatial omics workflows, and basic data analysis.
• Experience with assay troubleshooting, SOP-based work, documentation, and quality-focused laboratory practices.
• Excellent organizational, record-keeping, written, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate openness to receiving directions and feedback, asking for assistance when needed, and making constructive changes as a result.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with assay qualification, validation, method bridging, reagent lot comparison, or equipment qualification.
• Familiarity with FFPE/frozen tissue handling, spatial omics, multiplex imaging, mIHC, or other tissue-based biomarker platforms.
• Experience using data analysis or visualization tools such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, R, Python, or vendor-specific analysis platforms.
• Knowledge of cancer immunology, vaccine immunology, T-cell biology, tumor microenvironment biology, or biomarker discovery.
• Experience coordinating with clinical teams, pathology services, external vendors, core laboratories, sequencing facilities, or multicenter clinical trial sites.

Working Conditions

• The Cancer Vaccine Institute is located at the UW Medicine at South Lake Union campus in a translational research environment that includes laboratory, clinical research and administrative office areas.
• Work is typically deadline driven, requires a high level of accuracy, and extensive communication with staff and external collaborators from diverse backgrounds.
• This position must be able to work independently on multiple research projects, simultaneously, and may be stressful at times in that there is constant pressure for quick turnaround time on tests and quality control.
• This position may require a flexible work schedule and work week occasionally exceeds 40 hours to complete projects or meet deadlines. Stringent deadlines for protocol implementation, data collection, integrating required elements of research into complex patient schedules, and special event coordination may require occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work.
• May be required to stand for periods of at least 2 hours at a time.

About the Team

The University of Washington's Division of Hematology & Oncology includes 200+ staff and 450+ faculty members located at the UW Medical Center, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (FHCC), and the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. Over the past 40 years, members of the Division have developed the world's leading bone marrow transplant program. In addition, members of the Division have made substantial contributions to many other areas of cancer treatment, including the use of tumor vaccines, cellular therapy for cancer, antibody-based treatments, and novel forms of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Our division is deeply committed to maintaining its position as one of the leading centers for research and treatment of cancer in the world.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

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About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.