Overview:

A research technician position is available in the Byrd Laboratory in the Center for Systems Immunology at Benaroya Research Institute. The mission of the Byrd lab is to leverage multi-omic clinical datasets to discover actionable insights into how microbial factors associate with and influence disease development, therapeutic response, and immune system activation in patients with cancer and immune-mediated diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Specific projects include studying samples from a 1,000 person healthy control population to understand which factors influence the gut microbiome in the steady state and how the gut microbiome subsequently impacts the metabolome and systemic immune responses. In parallel, we are also interested in the role of microbes locally present in tissues, e.g. colorectal tumors and gastrointestinal biopsies. To accomplish this, we are actively developing methods to reliably detect microbes in low biomass samples and then correlating those microbial signatures with clinical metadata and host gene expression patterns.

Responsibilities:

The research technician will play a critical role in advancing the Byrd Laboratory's mission to uncover new insights into the role of the microbiome in disease development. The position requires a high level of expertise and specialized knowledge in computational and experimental biology, which is essential to achieve our research objectives.

Experimental responsibilities include:

Designing and executing experiments related to microbiome research

Preparing samples for gut microbiome analysis, including handling and processing of biological specimens

Maintaining detailed laboratory records

Computational responsibilities include:

Conducting data analysis and applying statistical techniques, with proficiency in Unix, Python, and/or R

Interpretation using bioinformatics tools

Data analysis, and statistical analytical skills, including proficiency with Unix, Python, and/or R

Collaboration with cross-functional teams to support ongoing research projects and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and presentations

Qualifications:

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in computational biology/computer/science/bioinformatics or other life science with a strong understanding of bioinformatics is required. Master’s degree is preferred

A minimum of 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in a position such as Research Technician II

Able to independently manage multiple projects and communicate findings

Prior experience in microbiome research or a related field is highly desirable

Training opportunities will be provided in experimental techniques as required

Compensation:

$63,000 to $95,130 per year

Benefits:

Medical, dental, vision hardware insurance

Flexible spending accounts: health care, dependent care, commuter

Short and long-term disability and life and AD&D insurance

403(b) retirement plan with matching funds after one year of employment

PTO: 13 holidays, three weeks of vacation and two weeks of sick leave per year

Employee assistance program

Tuition reimbursement program

Subsidized bus pass

YMCA rebate and other fitness club discounts

Voluntary benefits, e.g., pet insurance, accident, critical illness, identify theft

About Us:

Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) has a bold mission: Predict, prevent, reverse and cure immune system diseases, from autoimmune disease to cancer to COVID-19. We examine the immune system in both health and disease to understand how disorders start and how to rebalance the immune system back to health. Equipped with innovative tools and robust biorepositories, our team chips away at the biggest mysteries behind these conditions to work toward our vision of a healthy immune system for all. As an independent non-profit organization within Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we collaborate with clinicians to accelerate the path from innovative lab discoveries to life-changing patient care.

At BRI, each role is valued and an important contributor to the vision and mission. BRI is committed to a safe, caring and diverse workplace; as well as to taking action to further our commitments to foster inclusion, equity and belonging so employees feel comfortable bringing their full selves to work. Consider making a difference, join our team. Because together, we are Powering Possibility.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status. If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at (phone number removed) or email .