Research Scientist/Engineer 4

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

6d • $99,444 - $115,200

About The Position

The Department of Biochemistry is hiring an independent research scientist to investigate allosteric regulation of enzymes in intermediary metabolism, especially metabolic enzymes that self-assemble into large macromolecular structures. The position will use structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to study structure-function relationships in therapeutically important metabolic enzymes, with cryo-EM structure determination as a central technique. The scientist may also contribute to other laboratory projects on intracellular organization of metabolism, cytoskeletal components, and protein assemblies relevant to bacterial cell biology.

The Kollman laboratory studies the enzymology of reactions that are rate-limiting or located at key branch points in metabolic pathways, and how the spatial and temporal organization of enzymes affects pathway flux. Its work includes examining how allosteric ligand binding regulates enzyme assembly and activity, how enzyme assembly and localization affect cell and organismal physiology, and how clinical variants associated with immunological and neurodevelopmental disorders affect enzyme biochemistry. The laboratory’s broader goal is to connect fundamental discoveries about these enzymes to human disease and therapeutic development for disorders of nucleotide metabolism.

With minimal oversight from the principal investigator, the scientist will identify and pursue research directions, plan and manage multiple projects, develop experimental approaches, interpret data, and communicate findings through manuscripts and conference presentations. The scientist will initially assist with grant development and is expected to develop and write independent proposals over time. They will build expertise in structural biology and protein biochemistry and comprehensive knowledge of relevant cell metabolism, and serve as a resource to colleagues. The role may include supervising and mentoring junior staff, advising on staffing and candidate evaluation, identifying collaborators and research opportunities, and contributing to the laboratory’s strategic direction.

This is a regular, 100% FTE position on the first shift. The annual pay range is $99,444 to $115,200. The position is in the UAW Research bargaining unit. The University notes that employees have access to benefits and opportunities for professional growth; details are provided through the linked UW staff benefits page.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, or a related field, and four years of relevant experience in structural biology and protein biochemistry; equivalent education and/or experience may substitute where permitted.
• Expertise in single-particle cryo-EM structure determination, including sample preparation, data collection, and data processing using cryoSPARC and RELION.
• Demonstrated expertise in recombinant protein production, including molecular cloning, protein expression, and chromatography-based purification.
• Experience with enzyme kinetics and the ability to design and develop new biochemical assays of enzyme function.
• Strong background in cell metabolism, particularly nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis.
• Experience performing enzyme activity assays and analyzing enzyme kinetics, with demonstrated independence in designing and executing experimental plans to investigate enzyme function.
• Knowledge of mammalian cell culture techniques, cell growth assays, and fluorescence cellular imaging.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, or a related field.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, including plasmid transfection and generation of stable cell lines.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy of mammalian or budding yeast cells, including immunofluorescence.
• Experience writing scripts or software to support cryo-EM data processing.
• A record of independently writing and submitting grant proposals and past success obtaining research fellowships or grants.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments and analyze data for ongoing research projects (40%).
• Plan, manage, and coordinate multiple research projects (15%).
• Supervise and train junior laboratory staff in experimental design, procedures, and analysis (15%).
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals (10%).
• Develop, write, and secure research grants for new projects that extend the laboratory’s scope (10%).
• Present research results at scientific conferences (5%).
• Participate in scientific societies and the broader research community, including organizing sessions at scientific meetings (5%).
• Identify and pursue new research directions within the laboratory’s mission, with minimal oversight.
• Develop experimental approaches, generate hypotheses, and analyze and interpret research data.
• Establish expertise in structural biology and protein biochemistry and serve as a resource to laboratory and departmental colleagues.
• Identify research opportunities and potential University collaborators and contribute to the laboratory’s strategic research directions.
• Provide input on laboratory staffing, including identifying and evaluating candidates for open positions.

Benefits

• The University states that employees enjoy outstanding benefits; specific benefits are described on the linked UW staff benefits page.
• Opportunities for professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior