RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER - ASSISTANT Details

University of Washington - Seattle, WA

Employment Type : Full-Time

Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.

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 Microbiology is one of the premier biological science departments in the country. The department has a national reputation for high quality teaching and an international reputation for excellence in research. Because of the revolution in biology that began in the 1970s, rapid advances in microbiology and the development of biotechnology have increased our understanding of all living systems. This has in large part been determined by studies of microorganisms. The research programs of the faculty in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Washington reflect exciting areas of modern microbiology. Our faculty span a broad range of interests including microbial ecology, physiology, virology, and microbial pathogenesis in both animal and plant systems. The members of our department are largely concerned with understanding the mechanisms by which organisms interact with one another and with their environment at the cellular and molecular levels. Because of the strong interdisciplinary nature of these interests, numerous collaborative efforts between our faculty and those in other science and medicine departments have developed.

The Department of Microbiology has an opening for a Research Scientist/Engineer - Assistant. This role will perform research aimed understanding the genomic and phenotypic variants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacterial pathogens using cultures from patients with Cystic Fibrosis

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The primary job functions are to perform laboratory procedures toward goals of specific research projects.

  • Basic microbiology techniques including culturing bacteria from laboratory strains and clinical specimens, identifying bacterial species based on growth characteristics on selective and differential media, and preparing freezer stocks of cultured isolates

  • Organize and analyze clinical samples and research data

  • Processing samples from sputum

  • Preparation of DNA libraries for Next-generation sequencing

  • Extract DNA from cultured bacteria and clinical samples

  • Basic molecular biology, including PCR, qPCR, and ddPCR

  • Participate in laboratory meetings and establish ownership of research projects.

  • Molecular manipulation of bacteria including cloning, mutant construction, and preparing samples for genomic sequencing.

  • Prepare laboratory reagents and restock laboratory supplies

  • Perform related duties as required.


  • REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology or other pertinent science field

  • Up to 3 months of job-related experience

  • Experience with bacterial cultures

  • Experience with standard molecular biological techniques

  • Excellent communication and record keeping skills

  • Experience with DNA preparation, PCR, sterile procedure, media preparation, chemical transformation

  • Experience with microbiological methods to evaluate of antibiotic effectiveness such as MIC calculation


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

    DESIRED EXPERIENCE
  • 2+ years of experience working in a research setting

  • Strongly prefer independent thinking skills and critical analysis of scientific work

  • Prefer working knowledge of computer programs used in research reports and analyses such as Excel, PowerPoint, GraphPad Prism

  • Experience with Mac and PC platforms

  • Experience working with clinical samples


  • Application Process:
    The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

    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.

    Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

    The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.

    The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

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

    Posted on : 3 years ago