Analytical Methods and Instrumentation Scientist

Analytical Methods And Instrumentation Scientist

The Institute for Protein Design (IPD) at the University of Washington is a world-leading research center focused on creating new proteins that solve challenges in medicine, technology, and sustainability. Founded by Nobel laureate David Baker, the IPD fosters a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, bringing together expertise in computational design, biochemistry, genome sciences, and structural biology. Current projects include the development of novel therapeutics, vaccines, enzymes, and protein-based nanomaterials.

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Purpose of the research project(s) this position supports:

The Analytical Methods and Instrumentation Scientist (Research Scientist/Engineer
3) will play a critical role in strengthening IPD's analytical and purification capabilities. By developing reliable, general‑use methods for small‑molecule analysis, enzyme characterization, and chromatography workflows, this position directly supports a wide range of protein design and enzyme engineering projects. In addition to method development and data analysis, the RS3 provides extensive training for graduate students, postdocs, and other researchers across core instrumentation such as FPLC, HPLC, LC‑MS, and SPR systems.

This work ensures that IPD scientists can generate high‑quality and reproducible data and builds long‑term technical capacity essential to IPD's mission to design proteins that address global challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Mentorship and Training (50%) Train and mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other research staff in FPLC (AKTA), U/HPLC (Agilent), LC‑MS (Agilent), SPR (Cytiva), and related analytical techniques. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for instrument operation, preventative maintenance, method execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis. Provide ongoing scientific and technical guidance to help trainees build long‑term competency in analytical workflows and instrument care.

Analytical Method Development and Data Analysis (35%) Develop, optimize, and validate analytical and purification methods for small molecule analysis, enzyme characterization, and chromatography workflows using FPLC (AKTA), U/HPLC (Agilent), LC‑MS (Agilent), SPR (Cytiva), and related analytical systems. Perform data analysis to improve sensitivity, reproducibility, and throughput across IPD analytical pipelines. Create general‑use protocols and reference datasets that support consistent and reproducible use of core instrumentation.

Collaborate with researchers to refine methods that support small molecule, protein and enzyme design and contribute to the interpretation of analytical results.

Instrumentation Oversight (15%) Manage and maintain IPD instrumentation including FPLC (AKTA), U/HPLC (Agilent), LC‑MS (Agilent), SPR (Cytiva), and related analytical systems and other core analytical equipment. Coordinate routine maintenance schedules and ensure instruments remain reliable and ready for high‑throughput use. Monitor instrument performance, identify emerging issues, and implement improvements that support IPD research needs. Support IPD researchers by ensuring equitable access to instrumentation and by maintaining clear documentation of instrument status and usage expectations.

Collaborate with IPD Lab Management to review emerging technologies and guide the adoption of new capabilities that strengthen IPD's analytical and purification infrastructure.

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 Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Physics or related field and four years of experience with small‑molecule analytical techniques

Additional Requirements:

• Hands‑on experience with small‑molecule analytical techniques, including method development, optimization, and validation across diverse analytes.
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