Staff Scientist, Immunotherapy - 12847

Overview

Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.

The staff scientist will work on independent and collaborative projects developing adoptive T cell immunotherapy for viral driven malignancies within the Program in Immunology and Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the Chapuis laboratory (https://research.fhcrc.org/chapuis). The successful applicant will employ strategies for cloning T cell receptors (TCRs) and genetic modification of human T cells with TCRs specific for antigens expressed by malignancies. In vitro studies using human T cells and in vivo murine models will be used to develop and test novel T cell therapies. The staff scientist will perform correlative studies to evaluate the transfer, persistence and function of antigen-specific T cells in human clinical trials of adoptive T cell immunotherapy.

The Program in Immunology is a leader in the development and clinical application of adoptive immunotherapy using genetically modified T cells and is committed to the advancement of this approach. The staff scientist may also participate in the laboratory evaluation of ongoing clinical trials involving engineering of peripheral blood stem cell grafts for improved allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes, and in the development of future immunotherapy strategies. This is a full-time position with excellent benefits.

Responsibilities

• Study the function of human T cells
• Molecular bench work with PCR, cloning, and vector design
• Single cell RNA sequencing
• Biostatistics and some basic programing skills
• Cell Culture, cell sorting, flow cytometry, intercellular staining, and transfections
• Validation through functional and killing assays.
• Lead a team of 2-3 individuals, combination of Research Technicians and Post-Doctoral Fellows

Qualifications

• MD and/or a PhD in a biological science with a diverse knowledge of immunology. Must have a strong T/B cell immunology background.
• Proficiency in molecular biology, cell culture and cellular immunology technique required
• Proficiency with murine models required
• Flow cytometry and cell signaling based assays.
• Virology knowledge will assist in the aim of this positon
• Experience in analysis of TCR signaling pathways and in lentiviral modification of T cells will be an advantage
• Dynamic and driven – engaging and encouraging in team environments; organized to drive multiple projects forward in a team lead role
• Willingness to write and apply for funding opportunities and abstracts
• A strong research background

To be successful in this position, the staff scientist must be highly motivated and driven to establish a career as a future independent investigator, will need to be able to work independently and collaborate well with others.

Our Commitment to Diversity
We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and VEVRAA Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and 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 our Employee Services Center at escmail@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.