Staff Scientist

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 Corey lab is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to carry out research in the field of anti-virus antibody discovery and engineering. As a part of the lab, Dr. Sholukh’s research focuses on multifaceted analysis and characterization of humoral immune response to viral infections and vaccines with particular emphasis on recently discovered (Ford & Sholukh et al., J. Clin. Invest. 2021) novel class of B cells, skin-resident antibody-secreting cells (ASCs), and their role in forming of local virus immune control. The mission of the Corey lab is to make discoveries that lead to development of Herpes Virus vaccines and novel immunotherapeutic approaches to viral infections including HIV.

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will drive rigorous scientific projects utilizing next-generation sequencing including single-cell RNA-seq and BCR-seq, molecular biology, antibody discovery and engineering, and in vivo animal modeling. The position will require both independent research as well as the ability to collaborate closely with computational biologists and other colleagues.

Perform analysis of single-cell RNA-seq and BCR-seq datasets. Perform expression and purification of recombinant viral protein and human monoclonal antibodies and fragments (E.coli, insect cells, mammalian cells) via affinity chromatography and FPLC-based size exclusion and ion exchange. Use various immunoassays including but not limited to virus neutralization, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis, and complement mobilization assay for screening purposes and to determine antibody mechanism-of-action. Use of biophysical methods such as ITC and BioLayer interferometry/SPR, ELISA, epitope mapping and binning. Initiate and carry out scientific projects under the supervision of Drs. Sholukh and Corey. Develop and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the scientific literature relating to the research topics. Disseminate research output in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conferences. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• MD and/or PhD in Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Virology or another relevant discipline.
• At least 2 years of post-degree experience in academia or industry.
• Significant experience in antibody discovery, characterization and engineering.
• Up-to-date knowledge of software packages to analyze single-cell RNA-seq data.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology, genetic engineering and immunoassays.
• A track record of first author publications of productive research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to details and the ability to work independently are essential to success in this position.
• The candidate must be self-motivated, show initiative, able to multitask and work within a very collaborative environment as a team player.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expertise with protein purification and characterization, analysis of humoral response, B cell biology and animal models is desired.

The annual base salary range for this position is from $72,000 to $185,000 and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.