Research Scientist/Engineer 3

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

4d•$90,000 - $93,000

About The Position

The Department of Microbiology is hiring a Research Scientist/Engineer 3 to execute laboratory projects and provide experimental support for research into the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The role works with the Principal Investigator, postdoctoral fellows, and collaborators on multiple projects using DNA sequencing, mutant generation and characterization, and bacterial mutant phenotyping. This self-sufficient position reports directly to the Principal Investigator and seeks guidance from senior scientists as needed. It requires significant expertise in genetic and genomic approaches using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and in studying antibiotic resistance phenotypes. The scientist develops and implements procedures to meet research goals, reviews scientific literature, recommends experimental directions, performs investigations, analyzes and interprets results, and assesses their relevance to research projects. The role also prepares reports, charts, and graphs for scientific meetings and manuscripts, and contributes actively to the laboratory’s research outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Life Science, Genetics, Genomics, or a related field, and four years providing experimental support for projects investigating the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance or relevant experience. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except where legally restricted.
Experience and knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures for working in a genome laboratory.
Experience with transposon mutagenesis of P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Familiarity with Sanger and Illumina sequencing-based methods for characterizing transposon mutants.
Experience carrying out antibiotic sensitivity assays with Gram-negative pathogens.
Experience constructing regulated expression alleles of essential bacterial genes and deletion alleles of nonessential genes.
Familiarity with genetically manipulating Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Experience with robotic methods for picking, arraying, and re-arraying bacterial colonies using a QPix instrument.
Experience in DNA cloning, PCR, and other molecular biological techniques.
Approval to work with pathogenic organisms under BSL2 containment conditions.
Experience working with Omnilog Phenotypic Microarray technology.
Basic computational skills to store, analyze, and present data using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Exact attention to procedural detail.

Nice To Haves

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating initiative and self-motivation.
Willingness to learn, adapt, and apply new techniques and methodologies.
Excellent communication skills and strong organizational abilities.
Meticulous record-keeping and the ability to manage large numbers of samples efficiently.
Experience preparing data for publication, inventorying laboratory supplies, and ordering materials as needed.

Responsibilities

Conduct independent research to develop genetic methodologies and identify genotype–phenotype associations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and other bacteria.
Perform large-scale sequencing of saturation-level transposon mutagenesis to identify essential genes and conduct genetic selections to investigate bacterial adaptation to different growth media and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
Construct targeted gene deletion mutants in P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii to investigate gene function and bacterial phenotypes.
Analyze single-mutant phenotypes using Biolog phenotypic microarrays and develop custom phenotypic microarray technologies for bacterial pathogens, including Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while directing junior scientists.
Develop novel plasmid vectors and genetically modified A. baumannii strains to facilitate DNA introduction and genetic analysis.
Design and evaluate experimental approaches and research methodologies; use software applications to compile, manipulate, format, and statistically analyze data.
Advise scientists from other laboratories on selecting assays for Biolog phenotypic analysis as a core service.
Train laboratory personnel in the use of Omnilog apparatus, the Tn-seq circle method, and targeted deletion mutation techniques in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria.
Train, supervise, and direct laboratory personnel in laboratory techniques, equipment operation, and safety procedures.
Oversee laboratory operations and assist in evaluating and selecting new equipment and laboratory procedures.
Prepare and present written and oral reports of experimental results, including data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
Assist in reviewing manuscripts submitted for publication and write, edit, and organize scientific manuscripts for publication.