Lab Tech Program

LabLaunch 

Accelerated Lab Technician Training Certificate
Career Launch endorsed by Career Connect Washington 

Lab Launch is featured on the Career Connect Washington (CCW) website!
Download the Fred Hutch CCW Employer Spotlight.

Two Students working on a computer
Photo by Caren Brinkema

LabLaunch is a comprehensive Lab Tech Certificate Program that will provide students with lab skills and complementary academic training required for research and clinical lab technical positions across Fred Hutch. This program is part of Hutch Advance, a larger initiative at Fred Hutch designed to create career awareness and an ecosystem of career opportunities across our institution.

There are two components to the program:

1) Academic training – We require students to be enrolled at one of our collaborating colleges (Shoreline Community College, Bellevue College, Cascadia College, North Seattle College, and UW Bothell) in order to apply. 

Running Start students: One entry point into our Lab Tech program is the Washington State-endorsed Career Launch Program for Running Start students who will continue at Shoreline College in the Biotech program for a full academic year after their Fred Hutch internship. Therefore, students who have participated in Running Start (particularly in the Shoreline Biomanufacturing program) during their senior year of high school are encouraged to apply. 

2) Lab technical skills training – Students will participate in a summer internship at Fred Hutch. Students will be hosted in a laboratory and trained to perform laboratory/clinical technical procedures. The Fred Hutch Lab skills training will run for 6 weeks from early July to mid-August. Students must be able to commit to the entire 6-week period to participate. 

After the internship, students who complete an additional year of related career-related coursework at our collaborating colleges will receive the Accelerated Lab Technician Training Certificate and a job interview.

Program Need

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.

Two Participants working on a computer
Photo by Caren Brinkema

Program Highlights

  • Paid internship in Seattle, WA
  • Academic training aligned with technical training and job skills
  • Increased job possibilities after Lab Launch 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:

  • Be part of the Shoreline Biomanufacturing Program or enrolled in one of our collaborating colleges (Bellevue College, Cascadia College, North Seattle College, UW Bothell)
  • Are 18 years old by the time of their summer internship at Fred Hutch
  • Are interested in technical careers in the biological sciences
  • We especially encourage students who have participated in Running Start at one of our collaborating colleges to apply.

We encourage students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in science to apply. This includes individuals from underrepresented races/ethnicities, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Application Process  - Applications for 2024 are now closed

Coming soon - updates for Summer 2025!


Contact Us

Mary Grace Katusiime, Ph.D.

Mary Grace Katusiime, Ph.D.

Career Exploration and Workforce Development Program Manager, Office of Education and Training, Fred Hutch
Maribel Tirado

Maribel Tirado

Student Navigator, Shoreline Community College
CCW approval
CCW Seal
Career Connect Washington Career Launch Endorsed Career Connect Washington (CCW) is comprised of industry, labor, education, and community leaders who are creating work-based and academic programs for young people to explore, learn, and earn money and college-level credit. CCW believes all students in Washington deserve a future of purpose and prosperity— and the support necessary to achieve it. That’s why they are creating opportunities that launch every Washington student into college and career. By weaving together college and work, we can collectively build a better workforce, better lives, and a better Washington.
 

Career Connect Washington Career Launch Endorsed

Career Connect Washington (CCW) is comprised of  industry, labor, education, and community leaders who are creating work-based and academic programs for young people to explore, learn, and earn money and college-level credit. CCW believes all students in Washington deserve a future of purpose and prosperity— and the support necessary to achieve it. That’s why they are creating opportunities that launch every Washington student into college and career. By weaving together college and work, we can collectively build a better workforce, better lives, and a better Washington.