Lab Tech Program
Fred Hutch/Shoreline Community College Lab Tech Certificate Program
Fred Hutch Science Education and the Shoreline Community College Biotech Program are collaboratively developing a comprehensive two-summer internship for students integrated with their school learning. The Lab Tech Certificate Program will provide students with lab skills and complementary academic training required for research and clinical lab technical positions across Fred Hutch.
There are two components to the program:
- Lab technical skills training – Paid two-summer internship at Fred Hutch beginning the summer before senior year of high school. Students will be hosted in a laboratory and trained to perform laboratory technical procedures.
- Academic training – Enrollment at Shoreline Community College for the Fred Hutch-Shoreline Lab Tech Certificate. Students will enroll in Running Start during their senior year of high school, after the first summer of technical training, and will continue at Shoreline College in the Biotech program after the second summer of lab skills training in order to complete the Certificate.
Students should apply when they are high school juniors.
The first summer of lab skills training will run from July 5 - August 16, 2023. Students must be able to commit to the entire summer period to participate.
This program is designed specifically for students who plan to attend Shoreline Community College and participate in Running Start. To complete the certificate, students must finish both the lab technical skills training and the academic training.
Rationale for Program
Lab technicians play a vital role in scientific research and clinical care. By performing essential routine procedures in the laboratory, they contribute to the functioning of scientific processes and projects. A career as a lab technician comes with opportunities for growth and advancement along the career pathway. There is currently a growing need to hire and retain skilled laboratory technicians across Fred Hutch. This program is designed as an entry pathway into a potential laboratory technician career and will lay the foundation for in-demand specialized technical jobs in specimen processing, clinical labs, and research labs.
Program Highlights
- Paid internship in Seattle, WA
- Academic training aligned with technical training and job skills
- Increased job possibilities after Fred Hutch/Shoreline Community College Career Launch Lab Tech Certificate completion
- Continued education opportunities, technical training, and advancement after program completion
- Professional development opportunities to support well-rounded growth on this career trajectory
Benefits of Employment at Fred Hutch if Hired at Program Completion
- Competitive retirement plan, disability benefits, insurance coverage, and flexible spending accounts
- Comprehensive benefits
- Professional development programs and educational courses
- Tuition reimbursement program for employees
Participant Eligibility
We will recruit students who:
- Are entering their senior year of high school in Fall 2023 or equivalent (Running Start)
- Are interested in technical careers in the biological sciences
- Are not intending to immediately attend a four-year college, or may not wish to attend a four-year college at all
This program is specifically designed for students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in science. This includes individuals from underrepresented races/ethnicities, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Application Process - Deadline extended to April 28!
The application portal will be online in early March and close at 11:59 p.m. on April 28, 2023. There are two components of the online application — (1) an applicant section that you complete, and (2) a separate online form that your reference completes. Your reference will not receive a recommendation request until your portion is submitted, so we recommend that you complete your application in a timely manner. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on May 12, 2023.
For more information:
- Attend our informal "Office Hours" on 5pm April 19 to get your questions answered over zoom!
- Zoom Link Passcode: SEP
- View the recording of Information Night (*note that deadline has been extended beyond what is mentioned in the original Information Night presentation).
- View the presentation from Information Night
- Have questions? Contact us at the emails/phone numbers below and we will get back to you. Alternatively, you can submit them on this form and someone will get back to you!
- Preview the application (PDF) before applying. (*note that deadline has been extended beyond what is shown in the application preview).
Contact Us
Mary Grace Katusiime, Ph.D.
Planning for this program is funded by Career Connect Washington Career Launch.