Research Scientist​/Engineer

Position: Research Scientist/Engineer 1
** Job Description
**** The Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 1.
** This position supports experiments performed in the Capozzi Laboratory using rodent models to investigate the effects of nutrition on diabetes. This position supports Metabolic disease research such as diabetes and steatotic liver disease. The Capozzi laboratory seeks to understand how hormones control nutrient metabolism in health and metabolic disease.

Research Sponsors/Stakeholders: NIH, UW
** DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
** This position will perform a range of tasks from animal care and maintenance to executing experiments, troubleshooting techniques, and performing data analysis. Additionally, the Research Scientist/Engineer 1 will support the research team with laboratory training and overall lab operations.
*** Research Activities (70%)**
* • Perform daily care and handling of laboratory rodents, including feeding, monitoring health, and ensuring proper housing conditions.
• Maintain and monitor mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and weaning as required.
• Design and conduct experiments in rodent models to study nutrition and diabetes, performing surgical procedures as appropriate.
• Set up experimental protocols, administer treatments, and collect biological samples.
• Perform laboratory techniques such as western blotting, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), and ELISAs (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays). Ensure accurate execution and troubleshooting of these procedures.
• Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical methods and generate figures for presentations and publications.
• Communicate experiment findings and progress regularly with the Principal Investigator (PI) and research team through daily or weekly meetings as needed.
• Read and review relevant scientific literature to stay informed about current research trends and methodologies related to nutrition and diabetes. Incorporate new knowledge into experimental design and techniques.
*** Training (20%)**
* • Provide an overview of the current research projects, objectives, and the specific role of the new personnel within these projects.
• Mentor and train undergraduate research assistants or new lab personnel in laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and experimental procedures.
• Provide guidance and support to ensure successful onboarding and skill development.
• Conduct hands-on training sessions to demonstrate and practice essential laboratory techniques such as pipetting, sample preparation, and equipment operation.
• Train new personnel on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various experiments and lab tasks, ensuring they understand and can execute these procedures accurately.
• Educate new personnel on laboratory safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency procedures, and safe handling of chemicals and biological materials.
• Ensure that all lab members adhere to institutional and regulatory safety standards, conducting regular safety audits and refresher training sessions as necessary.
• Guide new personnel through the experimental protocols used in current research projects, ensuring they understand the objectives, procedures, and expected outcomes.
• Oversee initial experimental tasks performed by new personnel, providing immediate feedback and troubleshooting support to ensure accurate and reliable results.
*** General Laboratory Activities (10%)**
* • Assist in maintaining a clean and organized laboratory environment. Ensure that all work areas, equipment, and supplies are properly cleaned and stored.
• Participate in regular laboratory meetings to discuss research progress, share insights, and contribute to team discussions. Prepare and present findings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the PI or designated assignee, which may include organizing lab supplies, purchasing, and facilitating the maintenance of lab equipment.
** MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
*** Bachelor’s degree in biology, physiology or a related and one year of relevant experience.
* Equivalent education and/or…