Research Scientist/Engineer 3 (Temporary)
About The Position
The Research Scientist/Engineer 3 in the Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics within the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology will be a member of our Research and Development Laboratory at the UW Central Lab in Renton. In this role, the RS/E 3 will drive the innovation and development of next-generation sequencing (NGS), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assays for cutting-edge infectious disease diagnostics and biomarker studies. Our dynamic R&D group has a proven track record of clinical translation and global impact. We have developed multiple CLIA-validated molecular assays for high-consequence pathogens—including SARS-CoV-2, mpox, measles, and H5 influenza—and have sequenced hundreds of thousands of viral, bacterial, fungal, and eukaryotic parasite genomes to shape global epidemiology. Furthermore, our biomarker data have supported multiple successful FDA submissions for novel antiviral and vaccine candidates, directly influencing the future of infectious disease medicine. While a strong background in molecular assay design is essential, prior experience with T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) sequencing is highly desirable as we expand our diagnostic and biomarker portfolio.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Virology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related field and four years of relevant experience.
- Experience in primer/probe design for PCR, next-generation sequencing, collaborative project design, and understanding of basic viral biology.
- Prior experience in analyzing next-generation sequencing data.
- Strong written and communication skills.
- Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot.
Nice To Haves
- Doctoral degree in Virology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
- Five years of experience in a related area.
- TCR and BCR sequencing experience.
- Highly organized and have a knowledge of laboratory working environments.
- Previous experience in PCR and droplet digital PCR is highly desirable.
- Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) skills.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and validate innovative NGS, real-time qPCR, and ddPCR assays for viral, bacterial, fungal, and eukaryotic parasite diagnostic and research applications.
- Perform and improve procedures currently used in the lab, including NGS, viral load and viral detection, gene expression, cell culture, and protein expression for binding antibody and general immunology testing.
- Draft manuscripts describing novel NGS, qPCR, and ddPCR assays.
- Maintain complete and accurate records and document all the changes.
- Apply a variety of techniques on different types of study samples according to the study needs, analyze the experimental results and determine the follow-up experiments.
- Write up and update standard operating procedures for laboratory personnel to follow.
- Review and update study plans.
- Perform laboratory standard operating procedures.
- Performs assays accurately, precisely, track the progress of studies and make sure all the deadlines are met.
- Conduct data analysis and interpretation for grant submission and publication.
- Accommodate schedule changes to cooperatively accomplish required daily work.
- Ability to continue co-workers’ experiments and take over their responsibility.
- Participate in all laboratory maintenance and inventory duties.
- Conduct literature search and review to determine research methods and project planning.
- Initiate and manage moderate size projects and communicate with outside PIs and Supervisor regarding study project progress making recommendations for improvements.
- Provide cross-check of co-workers’ results and data entry to ensure data integrity.
- Follow the QA/QC policies and report all operation deviations.
- Perform computer security updates as required on the networked lab computers.
- Train newly hired employees and students.
- Supervisory responsibility for junior staff, including hiring, training, performing performance evaluations, and disciplinary action.
- Delegates work when appropriate; consults with supervisor regarding department workload when necessary.
- Act as a role model/mentor to new employees and students.
- May direct the operation of one or more facets of the research laboratory/ May evaluate and select new equipment.
- Perform other duties as required.
Benefits
- Outstanding benefits
- Opportunities for professional growth
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
