Research Scientist​/Engineer - Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Job Description

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 2 to join their team.

Reporting to Dr. Olena Korvatska, the Research Scientist/Engineer 2 is responsible for supporting research on the functional impact of genetic variation in neurodegenerative disease, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease‑related genes. The role integrates molecular biology and RNA sequencing‑based approaches to advance understanding of gene regulation in human brain tissues and model systems, directly contributing to the University of Washington’s research and educational mission.

This is a fully in‑person position.

Scientific operations (60%):

• Conduct tissue culture, gene reporter assays, and functional validation experiments to evaluate the effects of genetic variants.
• Perform and analyze transcript isoform studies using qRT‑PCR, short‑read and long‑read RNA sequencing technologies.
• Carry out protein‑level assays, including Western blotting and flow cytometry.

Project management (25%):

• Mentor and supervise student trainees and junior lab members in experimental and analytical techniques.
• Assist the Principal Investigator with preparation of manuscripts, grant applications, and progress reports; ensure alignment with project milestones.

Laboratory management (15%):

• Maintain lab organization, manage inventory and supplies, ensure compliance with chemical and biological safety regulations.

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Genetics, Genome Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related biomedical field, and a minimum of two years of laboratory research experience in molecular biology, genome sciences, or human genetics, including hands‑on experience designing and executing reporter assays to evaluate the functional impact of genetic variants.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

• Demonstrated expertise in developing protocols for plasmid DNA delivery (e.g., transfection or nucleofection) in mammalian cell systems.
• Experience with DNA library preparation for next‑generation sequencing (NGS).
• Proficiency in core molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, RT/qRT‑PCR, cloning, site‑directed mutagenesis, protein extraction, and Western blotting.
• Willingness and ability to work in a BSL‑2 laboratory environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated by co‑authorship on peer‑reviewed publications and/or presentations at scientific conferences.

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience analyzing RNA‑seq or other high‑throughput sequencing data.
• Familiarity with command‑line tools and scripting languages (e.g., R, Python, Bash), including modifying or adapting existing analysis pipelines.
• Experience with long‑read sequencing technologies (e.g., Pac Bio, Oxford Nanopel).
• Interest in integrating experimental and computational approaches.

Pay Range Minimum: $68,736.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum: $73,644.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Shift: First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?:
This is a regular position

FTE (Full‑time Equivalent): 100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit: UAW Research

Placement in the range will depend on a candidate’s job‑related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process.

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