Plastic Surgery Research Scientist Assistant

University of Washington Medical Center

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant, under the guidance of senior clinical research staff and Division of Plastic Surgery faculty, will assist in carrying out bench/experimental work, with a focus on mouse colony maintenance, processing and analysis of human and animal tissues using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, and the potential to assist in rodent surgery and behavioral experiments. The individual will also be integral in fostering a positive, collaborative, and inclusive culture within our lab and will play a pivotal role in training a diverse group of researchers, including surgical residents, medical students, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Due to the nature of the job duties, this is a fully in-person position (i.e., not remote or hybrid). Primary duties for this position fall into the following categories: Participate in bench/experimental work = 50% Assist or lead rodent care and colony maintenance = 40% Assist with protocols and compliance = 10% The Department of Surgery is a large department within the School of Medicine, with surgeons practicing at all our locations and in eight surgical subspecialties. The UW Department of Surgery is guided by our mission of providing compassionate and high-quality patient care, training future generations of surgical leaders, and conducting research in a collegial environment which embraces diversity and promotes inclusiveness. How this Position Contributes to the Mission of the Department and the Mission of the University: This position will contribute to the mission of the Department of Surgery through its pivotal support of Plastic Surgery Clinical Research Projects. Diversity and Belonging: At the University of Washington, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives, strive to create accessible, welcoming, and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity, and justice for all. Department Core Competencies All staff in the Department of Surgery are asked to demonstrate and develop the following core competencies: Quality Focus: strives to deliver the best possible service and results and continuously seeks opportunities for improvement. Key attributes: accuracy, customer service, continuous improvement, problem-solving, and self-development Planning & Organization: completes work in a timely, efficient, and resourceful manner Key attributes: priority setting, efficiency, resourcefulness, adaptability and flexibility, organizational awareness, and initiative Teamwork & Relationship Building: builds and fosters positive working relationships with others to achieve shared objectives. Key attributes: collaboration, communication, emotional intelligence, recognition, accountability, and integrity Diversity & Belonging: values and honors diverse experiences and perspectives, strives to create welcoming and respectful workplace, and promotes opportunity for all. Key attributes: respect, cultural humility, inclusiveness, advocacy, and commitment

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Less than one year of relevant experience
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Nice To Haves

prior mouse colony experience, particularly with genotyping and recordkeeping
Two or more years of relevant research experience in a basic science laboratory setting
Experience with histology and immunoblotting
Experience with microscopy

Responsibilities

Tissue sectioning and histology/immunohistochemistry of nerve and muscle samples
Assist with animal surgery and behavioral experiments if desired
Assist with data analysis and manuscript/grant writing if desired
Manage general animal care, including postoperative checks on animals, administering medications, and communicating with veterinary services as needed
Lead mouse colony maintenance, including litter weaning, genotyping, recordkeeping, and euthanasia
Assist with animal experimental planning, such as ensuring appropriate supplies, medications, and animals have been ordered
Autoclave and disposal of biohazardous waste
Assist with reviewing and updating animal use protocols for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
Ensure compliance with all animal use regulations by all team members