Research Technician II

The Human Immunophenotyping (HIP) Core applies cutting-edge cytometry and related technologies to advance research in human immune-mediated diseases. We support investigators across Benaroya Research Institute as well as external collaborators, including industry partners, other non-profits and academic institutions, and physician-led studies. The technician will gain experience in human immunology research, primarily in autoimmunity, with additional exposure to other immune-mediated diseases through collaborative core projects.

Responsibilities

The Research Technician II position conducts laboratory experiments and contributes to scientific studies through independent execution of protocols, data collection, and analysis. Duties include:

• Independently initiate and execute experimental protocols using established and modified Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring accurate and complete laboratory records.
• Perform blood and cell processing using sterile techniques.
• Conduct short in vitro cultures or stimulations of cells.
• Prepare samples for flow cytometry, genomic analysis, or other assays with proper quality controls.
• Perform immune-related assays such as ELISA and qPCR.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain a range of laboratory instruments including flow and mass cytometers and sorters, PCR machines, cell counters, and other analytical devices.
• Develop and use analysis workflows (FlowJo, Cytobank, R, GraphPad Prism) to process, visualize, and interpret data.
• Contribute to experimental design decisions, including selection of controls, replicates, and appropriate statistical approaches.
• Assist in panel design, antibody titration, and assay optimization, including control strategies and reagent qualification.
• Prepare figures and reports for internal use (lab meetings, project updates, core users) and contribute to data packages for publications and presentations.
• Engage with senior scientists to refine experimental approaches and align technical execution with project goals.
• Support laboratory operations, including inventory management, ordering supplies, reagent preparation, and routine maintenance of shared equipment.
• Support core users and collaborating teams, providing technical guidance, coordinating sample intake schedules, and advising on best practices.
• Train and mentor lab aides and junior technicians in laboratory techniques, workflows, and core practices.
• Conduct literature searches to inform experimental planning and stay current on developments in immune profiling technologies.
• Participate in collaborative meetings and seminars to build knowledge of emerging technologies and contribute to the scientific goals of the team.
  
  

Qualifications

Requires a BA/BS in a scientific field and a minimum of 2-3 years of progressively responsible work experience in a scientific research laboratory. Prior experience involving sterile technique, mammalian tissue culture, and/or multiparameter flow cytometry required. Must have basic mathematical, data recording, and statistical analysis skills. Must be comfortable working with potentially hazardous materials and human samples (e.g., blood).

A successful candidate would be eager to learn and grow within the role, be willing to take on challenges and persevere through troubleshooting, be proactive in seeking help and asking questions, have strong attention to detail and documentation skills, have an ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently, and have excellent communication skills for presenting findings and collaborating with team members.

Compensation

$26.68 to $39.23 per hour

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts: health care, dependent care, commuter
• Short and long-term disability
• 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
• Educational assistance program
• Subsidized ORCA pass
• Wellness benefits
• Voluntary benefits
  
  

About Us

Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) has a bold mission: to advance the science to predict, prevent, reverse and cure immune system diseases , from autoimmune disease to cancer to asthma and allergies . We create detailed pictures of the immune system in health and disease, aiming 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 everyone. BRI is a nonprofit research institute based in Seattle and affiliated with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. We collaborate with clinicians and patients to accelerate the path from innovative lab discoveries to life-changing patient care.

At BRI, each individual is valued as an important contributor to our vision and mission. Consider making a difference by joining our team. Because together, we are powering possibility.

To learn more, visit benaroyaresearch.org and connect with us on LinkedIn , Bluesky , Instagram , Threads , Facebook and YouTube .

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance completing the online application, please contact Human Resources at 206-342-6547 or email jobs@benaroyaresearch.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.