Research Scientist/Engineer 3

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Department of Microbiology seeks a Research Scientist/Engineer 3 to execute laboratory projects and provide experimental support for research investigating the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The position works on multiple projects in parallel, using DNA sequencing, mutant generation and characterization, and bacterial mutant phenotyping. The role is self-sufficient and seeks guidance from senior scientists as needed, reporting directly to the Principal Investigator. The Research Scientist/Engineer develops and implements investigative procedures, reviews scientific literature, and recommends experimental ideas and direction. The role independently performs investigative procedures, analyzes and interprets results, assesses their relevance to projects, and prepares reports, charts, and graphs for scientific meetings and manuscripts. The position also contributes to laboratory research results through scientific writing, presentations, training, and oversight of laboratory operations.

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 where permitted.
Knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures required for work in a genome laboratory.
Experience with transposon mutagenesis of P. aeruginosa and A. 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 genetic manipulation of P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii.
Experience using robotic methods to pick, array, and re-array bacterial colonies with 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 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 developing genetic methodologies and identifying 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 antibiotic-resistance mechanisms.
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 A. 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 use of the Omnilog apparatus, the Tn-seq circle method, and targeted deletion mutation techniques in P. 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.
Review relevant scientific literature and recommend ideas and experimental direction for research projects.
Prepare reports, charts, and graphs to communicate results at scientific meetings or in manuscripts.