Research Scientist​/Engineer ; Temporary

Position: Research Scientist/Engineer 3 (Temporary)
Job Description

The UW Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 3 (Pro Staff Temp) to join their team.

About This Opportunity

The Research Scientist/Engineer 3 in the Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics within the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology will be a member of our Research and Development Laboratory at the UW Central Lab in Renton. In this role, the RS/E 3 will drive the innovation and development of next-generation sequencing (NGS), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assays for cutting-edge infectious disease diagnostics and biomarker studies.

Our dynamic R&D group has a proven track record of clinical translation and global impact. We have developed multiple CLIA-validated molecular assays for high-consequence pathogens-including SARS-CoV-2, mpox, measles, and H5 influenza-and have sequenced hundreds of thousands of viral, bacterial, fungal, and eukaryotic parasite genomes to shape global epidemiology. Furthermore, our biomarker data have supported multiple successful FDA submissions for novel antiviral and vaccine candidates, directly influencing the future of infectious disease medicine.

While a strong background in molecular assay design is essential, prior experience with T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) sequencing is highly desirable as we expand our diagnostic and biomarker portfolio.

* 100% FTE

* One-year appointment

* Day shift

* The salary information provided below

Key Responsibilities

Developmental Duties (35%):

* Design, develop, and validate innovative NGS, real-time qPCR, and ddPCR assays for viral, bacterial, fungal, and eukaryotic parasite diagnostic and research applications. These newly developed assays will be used in future clinical care of patients and clinical trials of sponsors, along with research collaborations.

* Quality control and analyze data from NGS, qPCR, and ddPCR assays.

* Critically examine literature and newly developed assays from outside groups to determine best assays to adopt within our clinical and clinical trials laboratory.

* Implement GCLP standards, including robust documentation and compliance, across existing workflows.

* Adopt new, unique procedures and technologies, which are not standardized, to fulfill the needs of individual studies.

Analytical/Operational Duties (45%):

* Perform and improve procedures currently used in the lab, including NGS, viral load and viral detection, gene expression, cell culture, and protein expression for binding antibody and general immunology testing.

* Draft manuscripts describing novel NGS, qPCR, and ddPCR assays.

* Maintain complete and accurate records and document all the changes.

* Apply a variety of techniques on different types of study samples according to the study needs, analyze the experimental results and determine the follow-up experiments.

* Write up and update standard operating procedures for laboratory personnel to follow.

* Review and update study plans.

* Perform laboratory standard operating procedures.

* Performs assays accurately, precisely, track the progress of studies and make sure all the deadlines are met.

* Conduct data analysis and interpretation for grant submission and publication.

* Accommodate schedule changes to cooperatively accomplish required daily work.

* Ability to continue co-workers' experiments and take over their responsibility.

* Participate in all laboratory maintenance and inventory duties.

* Conduct literature search and review to determine research methods and project planning.

* Initiate and manage moderate size projects and communicate with outside PIs and Supervisor regarding study project progress making recommendations for improvements.

* Provide cross-check of co-workers' results and data entry to ensure data integrity.

* Follow the QA/QC policies and report all operation deviations.

* Perform computer security updates as required on the networked lab computers.

Leadership/Supervisory Duties (20%):

* This position

* Train newly hired employees and students.

* Supervisory responsibility for junior staff, including hiring, training, performing performance evaluations, and disciplinary action.

* Delegates work when appropriate; consults with supervisor regarding department workload when necessary.

* Act as a role model/mentor to new employees and students.

* May direct the operation of one or more facets of the research laboratory/

* May evaluate and select new equipment.

* Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Virology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related…