Research Scientist​/Engineer -Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics; Temporary

Job Description

The UW Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology invites a Research Scientist/Engineer 3 (Pro Staff Temp) to join the Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics at the UW Central Lab in Renton.

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.
• Quality control and data analysis for NGS, qPCR, and ddPCR assays.
• Review literature and external assays to identify best practices for clinical and research laboratories.
• Implement GCLP standards, including robust documentation and compliance across existing workflows.
• Adopt and develop non‑standardized procedures to meet study needs.

Analytical/Operational Duties (45%)

• Perform and improve laboratory procedures such as NGS, viral load detection, gene expression, cell culture, and protein expression for antibody and immunology testing.
• Draft manuscripts describing novel assays.
• Maintain complete and accurate records and update SOPs.
• Apply techniques to diverse study samples, analyze results, and recommend follow‑up experiments.
• Review and update study plans; conduct literature searches to inform methodology.
• Initiate and manage moderate‑size projects and communicate progress with external PIs and supervisors.
• Conduct data analysis for grant submissions and publications.
• Ensure timely completion of all laboratory tasks and maintain data integrity.
• Perform computer security updates as required.

Leadership/Supervisory Duties (20%)

• Train newly hired personnel and students.
• Supervise junior staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.
• Delegate work and consult with the supervisor regarding workload.
• Act as a mentor for new employees and students.
• Direct the operation of one or more facets of the research laboratory.
• Evaluate and select new equipment.
• Perform additional duties as required.

• Minimum:
  Bachelor’s degree in Virology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related field and four years of relevant experience with NGS and basic viral biology.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.
• Experience in primer/probe design for PCR and NGS, collaborative project design, and basic viral biology.
• Prior analysis of next‑generation sequencing data.
• Strong written and communication skills.
• Problem‑solving and troubleshooting abilities.

• Doctoral degree in Virology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Five years of experience in a related area.
• TCR and BCR sequencing experience.
• Highly organized with knowledge of laboratory work environments.
• Experience in PCR and droplet digital PCR.
• Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) skills.

• Pay Range Minimum: $80,244.00 annual
• Pay Range Maximum: $ annual
• Other Compensation:
  Not applicable
• Benefits:
  For details, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./
• Shift: First Shift (United States of America)
• Position Type:
  Temporary
• FTE: 100.00%
• Union/Bargaining Unit:
  Not Applicable

The University of Washington is 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.

Applicants may request disability accommodation in the application process by contacting the Disability Services Office at 206‑543‑6450 or dso.

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