Research Scientist/Engineer 1

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

This temporary Research Scientist/Engineer 1 will facilitate ongoing research projects spanning basic and translational science studies. This will involve interactions with several University Departments (Urology, Medicine, and Pathology) as well as collaborations with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. This person will work under limited supervision to complete assigned tasks/projects demonstrating an ability to work independently. Overall direction will be supplied by the principle investigator in routine meetings. The employee will be responsible for following these general guidelines and for making adjustments to these directions as the need arises. The employee will also act as a team member for our on-call rapid Tissue Acquisition Necropsy program, interacting with a team of research scientists and physicians through tissue collections. This position is in the Department of Urology's Genitourinary Cancer Research Laboratory. This position involves the processing of tissue, cell culture, and performing a variety of molecular biology techniques as needed. The candidate must have a willingness to learn and the ability to work with team members within the laboratory and collaborators outside of the laboratory. Incumbents perform routine scientific work applying standardized scientific procedures and techniques, but are also involved in the on-call rapid Tissue Acquisition Necropsy program.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in the basic biological sciences with an emphasis in one of the biology disciplines.
One year of relevant experience.
Basic understanding of cell culture.
Basic molecular biology experience in RNA and DNA isolation, Realtime PCR, western analysis, and immunohistochemistry.
Familiarity with spreadsheets and databases.
Ability to work under limited supervision and demonstrate an ability to work independently.
Flexibility in working hours, including extension into the evening when processing of specimens mandate, and on occasion working outside of the standard workweek.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of cell culture techniques and knockdown and overexpression in cell lines will be preferred.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Responsibilities

Standard Histology, and Basic Molecular Biology Techniques (60%): Extract, measure, and perform quality control on RNA/DNA for downstream molecular analysis. Understand techniques in histology (fixing, decalcification, sectioning, and staining of tissue) and make modifications as needed. Master techniques such as immunohistochemistry, Realtime PCR, western analysis, and ELISA. Solve well-defined problems and perform specific and limited portions of broader projects, under technical guidance of the principle investigator.
Other Related Duties (20%): Interact collaboratively with other team members to accomplish organizational goals and provide ideas for improved efficiency. Define and improve practices from experiences on small projects. Order general lab supplies and monitor lab safety compliance. Learn new techniques as required for optimal job performance.
Collection and Documentation of Data (10%): Keep highly accurate records and research notes. Demonstrate proficiency in data collection and input of data into databases. Collect, compile, and correlate data, recognizing discrepancies in results. Contribute data/findings for use in reports, documents or oral/written presentations.
Participate in an on-call rapid Tissue Acquisition Necropsy (TAN) team (10%): Rotate (every third week) as a member of a TAN team. Assist with the rapid autopsy process and collection and processing of samples. Be in the laboratory within two hours of being paged. Perform other duties as assigned.