Lab Aide (work-study)
Benaroya Research Institute
Summary
The Buckner and Long Labs focus on understanding the mechanisms of immune tolerance, examining why this tolerance breaks down in autoimmune diseases, and developing therapies to improve it. The Human Immunophenotyping (HIP) core at the Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) provides access to cutting-edge technologies and services enabling study of human immune-mediated diseases.
Job description
Overview
The Buckner and Long Labs focus on understanding the mechanisms of immune tolerance, examining why this tolerance breaks down in autoimmune diseases, and developing therapies to improve it. The Human Immunophenotyping (HIP) core at the Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) provides access to cutting-edge technologies and services enabling study of human immune-mediated diseases.
This position offers hands-on experience, exposure to laboratory techniques used in immunology research, and an opportunity to build relationships with scientific researchers.
This work-study position is for 10 to 19 hours each week, within the hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (exact schedule to be determined quarterly, in consideration of class schedule).
To be considered for this position the student must have completed a financial aid application and received a work study award. Proof of work study eligibility is necessary to complete this application.
Responsibilities
The Lab Aide will perform routine work in a research laboratory including equipment maintenance and providing general assistance to technical laboratory personnel to help keep the lab in a clean and orderly state. Other duties include:
- Assisting with experiment set-up
- Maintaining and organizing lab records and data
- Preparing media and reagents, such as stock solutions
- Maintaining a clean and orderly laboratory area
- Cleaning and maintaining lab equipment
- Checking and replenishing supplies
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED and enrollment in a university-level science degree program (e.g., biology, chemistry, or biochemistry) are required. Previous or current coursework in biology and/or chemistry and past laboratory experience are preferred. Experience with molecular biology techniques is highly desirable. Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to learn new skills quickly is essential.
This position is solely open to candidates who are work-study eligible.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Enrollment in a university-level science degree program (e.g., biology, chemistry, or biochemistry)
- Work-study eligibility
- Previous or current coursework in biology and/or chemistry (preferred)
- Past laboratory experience (preferred)
- Experience with molecular biology techniques (highly desirable)
- Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to learn new skills quickly
Benefits
- Hands-on laboratory experience
- Exposure to immunology research techniques
- Networking with scientific researchers
Company overview
Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) is a premier non-profit biomedical research organization founded in 1956 and based in Seattle, Washington. As an affiliate of Virginia Mason Health System, BRI specializes in cutting-edge research focused on the immune system and autoimmune diseases. The institute conducts comprehensive basic, clinical, and translational research aimed at understanding immune cell function and dysfunction, with particular emphasis on conditions such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and allergies. BRI maintains extensive biorepositories containing over 350,000 samples from more than 16,000 participants, supporting both internal research and global scientific collaborations. The institute has made groundbreaking contributions including the development of MHC Class II tetramers for immune cell research, discovery of the Th2A allergy cell, and playing a key role in the development of teplizumab - the first drug to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes. With a mission to predict, prevent, reverse, and cure immune system diseases, BRI operates through multiple core laboratories and leads major research consortia including the Immune Tolerance Network, positioning itself as a global leader in immunology research and therapeutic development.