Laboratory Technician - Zabetian

at  Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research

Title: Laboratory Technician
Job Class: Non-Exempt/Hourly, $22-26/hour
PI: Dr. Cyrus Zabetian
Reports To: Dora Yearout
At the Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research (SIBCR), scientists seek new ways to improve the health and well-being of Veterans through research and education conducted at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System and Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center.
As an SIBCR employee, you have a unique opportunity to help improve the lives of Veterans through supporting our scientists whose research spans a broad range of areas such as mental health; neuroscience; diabetes, endocrinology and nutrition; prosthetics; oncology; and pulmonary diseases. You will also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to be a part of an important mission.

SUMMARY:

The Laboratory Technician will play an integral role in an ongoing, multicenter, research study on Parkinson’s disease based at the Seattle VA Puget Sound Health Care System. This individual will perform laboratory duties, and analyze and track data in a Microsoft Access database.

Responsibilities (under minimal supervision):

• Process human blood samples to collect plasma, serum, and buffy coats
• Centrifuge and aliquot CSF samples
• Ship human samples to repositories and collaborators
• Extract DNA from human blood and tissue
• Genotype human genomic DNA using TaqMan
• Sequence human genomic DNA
• Analyze sequence data using Mutation Surveyor
• Modify, maintain, and query Microsoft Access databases
• Maintain freezer inventory of human DNA, CSF, buffy coats, whole blood, plasma and serum samples
• Reagent preparation

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• BS degree in biology or related field AND up to two years of experience in a research laboratory
• Experience with general molecular methods including PCR
• Proficiency with desktop computers including spreadsheet and statistical software
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to manage diverse tasks
• Flexibility in work hours
• Commitment to excellence

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Previous work on human clinical research studies
• Experience with ABI Genetic Analyzer (3100, 3130, 3500, or 3730)
• Experience extracting DNA from human whole blood
• Coursework in molecular biology, genetics, neurobiology, and statistics
  How to apply: Please complete online application and upload a cover letter and resume.
  Diversity enriches research and promotes the best healthcare. We are committed to building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive environment. We encourage individuals whose backgrounds or interests align with this commitment, as well as individuals from all backgrounds that are underrepresented in research, to apply.
  All SIBCR employees must meet VA hiring requirements. Currently, only US Citizens, Permanent Residents, Green Card holders with proper work documents and F-type Visa holders may apply.

• Process human blood samples to collect plasma, serum, and buffy coats
• Centrifuge and aliquot CSF samples
• Ship human samples to repositories and collaborators
• Extract DNA from human blood and tissue
• Genotype human genomic DNA using TaqMan
• Sequence human genomic DNA
• Analyze sequence data using Mutation Surveyor
• Modify, maintain, and query Microsoft Access databases
• Maintain freezer inventory of human DNA, CSF, buffy coats, whole blood, plasma and serum samples
• Reagent preparatio