Research Scientist/Engineer 2 (Temporary)

Job Description

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

The Department of Urology has an outstanding opportunity for a Temporary Research Scientist/Engineer 2 to join their team.

The Research Scientist/Engineer 2 will facilitate ongoing research projects spanning basic and translational science studies, and interact with collaborators at the University and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. This person will work under supervision to complete assigned tasks/projects. The overall direction will be supplied by the Principal Investigator. The employee will be responsible for following experimental design and safety guidelines. The employee will also act as a team member for our on-call Rapid Autopsy Program, interacting with a team of research scientists and physicians through tissue collections. The employee will also work in vivarium with mice.

COMPLEXITIES

This position is in the Department of Urology, Genitourinary Cancer Research Laboratory. The position involves cell culture, performing a variety of molecular biology techniques, processing and staining of tissue samples, and working in an animal facility with mice. The candidate must have a willingness to learn and the ability to work with team members within the laboratory and collaborators outside of the laboratory. The employee will perform routine scientific work applying standardized scientific procedures and techniques but are also involved in the on-call Rapid Autopsy Program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Cell Culture, Basic Molecular Biology and Standard Histology Techniques 60%:

The successful applicant will be highly proficient in:

• Techniques in cell culture including drug screen assays and transfections.
• The isolation, measurement and quality control of RNA and DNA for downstream molecular analysis.
• Techniques such as: realtime PCR, western blot analysis, and ELISA.
• Basic histology and imaging (fixing, decalcification, sectioning, and staining of tissue including immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence).
• Working in SPF facility with mice
• Utilize thorough knowledge of Cell Culture, Basic Molecular Biology and Standard Histology Techniques
• Teaching and supervision of delegated tasks with participation in the execution of these tasks as necessary.
• Meets with the Pl or other collaborating faculty and participates in running of the research studies.
• Assigns study tasks to support staff to assure timely execution of the research project.
• Meets with the Pl or other collaborating faculty and participates in the design of the research studies.
• Assures that the studies are performed according to approved protocols.
• Is cognizant of the ongoing research projects in the facility and is able to articulate overall research goals.

Collection and Documentation of Data 20%:

• Must be very attentive to detail and keep accurate records, in addition to research notes that provide sufficient detailed information for reproducing results or procedures by other individuals.
• Collect, compile (e.g., entering data into Excel spreadsheet and generating graphs), and correlate data and recognize discrepancies in results.
• Contribute data/findings for use in reports, documents or oral/written presentations.

Participate in an on-call Rapid Autopsy team 10%:

• Rotate (every third week) as a member of a Rapid Autopsy team.
• When on rotation, the Rapid Autopsy Program necessitates that the applicant be in the laboratory within two hours of being paged. Each laboratory member participates in approximately 5-6 rapid autopsies per year.
• Assist with the Rapid Autopsy process and collection and processing of samples.

Other Related Duties 10%:

• Order and ship materials when required.
• Interact in a collaborative manner with others to accomplish organizational goals and provide ideas for improved efficiency.
• Update the laboratory chemical inventory, maintain the chemical inventory and manage the disposal of chemicals when appropriate, with the expectation of becoming the laboratory chemical safety officer.
• Learn new techniques as required for optimal job performance.
• Work with undergraduate students when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in basic biological sciences with an emphasis in one of the biology disciplines and at least two years of relevant experience.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A strong working understanding of cell culture.

• Basic molecular biology experience in RNA and DNA isolation, realtime PCR, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry.
• Experience working with mice.
• Familiarity with software to compile spreadsheets of acquired data.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in the processing of tissues is desired but not a requirement.

CONDITITONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be able to work to complete assigned tasks/projects under supervision.
• This position requires flexibility in the working hours, including extension into the evening when mandated by experiments or processing of specimens, and on occasion requires working outside of the standard workweek.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$61,920.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$113,580.00 annual

Other Compensation:

• Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a temporary position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.