Research Scientist/Engineer 2 at University of Washington Seattle, WA

Research Scientist/Engineer2 in the Dr. Cory Simpson Lab at the South Lake Union campus of the University of Washington. This position involves wet‑lab work, laboratory organization, and training of junior members while contributing to the development of novel therapies for rare skin disorders.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Wet Lab Experimentation (50%)

• Maintain a complete, legible, and up‑to‑date laboratory record of all experiments and results
• Perform bacterial culturing, plasmid cloning, and plasmid DNA preparations, including viral vectors
• Use sterile technique for culture and drug treatment of primary cells, immortalized cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)
• Conduct transfection of cell cultures for transgene expression or RNAi‑based gene silencing
• Produce and utilize non‑pathogenic retroviral stocks for transduction of human cell cultures
• Collect RNA and protein lysates from cell cultures; analyze by qPCR and Western blotting
• Fix cells or tissues and perform immunostaining using multiple fluorescent antibodies
• Design microscopy experiments and prepare cell cultures for live confocal imaging
• Learn to independently generate organoid skin cultures and submit for histology under guidance of the PI
• Acquire wide‑field and confocal fluorescence microscopy images suitable for analysis
• Analyze and prepare data in graphs and figures for lab meetings, grants, formal presentations, or publications
• Transfer new methodologies from published research studies into the laboratory

Lab Organization (25%)

• Monitor, order, and organize lab supplies to maintain adequate inventory
• Keep complete, accurate, and detailed records of all purchases and provide them to the PI
• Safely utilize and monitor lab equipment and arrange necessary maintenance or repairs
• Establish collaborations for use of shared resources and equipment as appropriate
• Ensure timely replenishment of common lab chemicals, solutions, and other supplies
• Oversee biosafety lab inspection, biological use authorization, chemical/biological inventory, and IRB/IACUC protocols
• Attend lab meetings, weekly one‑on‑one meetings, journal club, seminars, and other group meetings related to the research

Training (25%)

• Teach junior lab members basic lab techniques including cell culture, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and microscopy
• Maintain up‑to‑date training logs for lab members, including required trainings for biohazards and chemicals
• Help junior lab members troubleshoot experiments as needed
• Develop and update standardized protocols for experiments to be used by lab members
• Create a healthy, safe, violence‑free environment by reporting any concerns or conflicts to the PI

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, or a related Life Science field and a minimum of two years of experience working in a wet laboratory setting
• Equivalent education or experience may substitute for all minimum qualifications except when legal requirements exist (e.g., license, certification, or registration)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Familiarity with common lab equipment, protocols, and safety, including Biosafety Level 2
• Prior experience with molecular biology techniques necessary for plasmid cloning
• Prior experience with sterile cell culture, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence microscopy
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent organizational skills to track lab orders and expenses, develop and update protocols, collect and analyze data, and construct graphs and figures
• Ability to work on‑site in the lab Monday through Friday during standard business hours
• Demonstrated attention to detail and timely completion of lab record‑keeping
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Maintain open dialogue with lab members, including timely email replies during work hours
• Commitment to promote a safe, friendly, cooperative, and inclusive work environment

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in designing and leading a research project
• Prior supervision and training of new lab members, including students
• Knowledge of the UW ordering system and UW laboratory compliance requirements and protocols
• Knowledge of the manuscript process and grant application process
• Strong written and oral communication skills

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range Minimum: $68,736.00 per year; Pay Range Maximum: $72,504.00 per year. This is a regular, full‑time (100% FTE) position with First Shift hours. Benefits information is available through the university’s benefits portal.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

The University of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. The institution considers applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or genetic information. Applicants are required to disclose any current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their present or past employment, as required by Washington state law. The University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.