Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition (MET) has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant position to join the Crisa Laboratory. Reporting to Dr. Laura Crisa, the Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant will support studies performed and conducted in the Crisa laboratory at the University of Washington South Lake Union campus. The field of research this position is engaged in is Pancreatic islet regeneration and diabetes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry or related Scientific field and less than one year of relevant Pancreatic islet regeneration and diabetes research experience.
Must be willing to work with mice.
Hands-on experience in cell biology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry, applied to Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus research.
Demonstrated interest in pancreatic islet biology and regeneration, with a willingness to learn and apply new laboratory techniques.
Experience with basic laboratory techniques, including pipetting, solution preparation, sterile technique, and lab safety; exposure to cell culture or molecular biology methods (e.g., PCR) preferred.
Ability to accurately document experiments, follow established protocols, and maintain organized research records.
Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills, with the ability to support multiple projects in a research setting.
Experience with tissue culture.

Nice To Haves

Prior hands-on experience with animal work including handling of large animal colonies, breeding and genetic screening of diverse mouse strains, handling and treatment of diabetic mice.
At least 1-year hands-on experience in cell biology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry, applied to Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus research.
Experience with Metabolic Assays and protein analysis methods (e.g., Western blot, ELISA).
Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism, or similar).
Ability to quickly learn new laboratory techniques and adapt to evolving research needs.

Responsibilities

Assist in the preparation and processing of genomic DNA, RNA, and cDNA, including support for real-time PCR workflows.
Apply molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR) to analyze gene expression and identify signatures in experimental and control samples.
Support protein-based assays, including protein extraction, pull-down assays, and gel electrophoresis.
Perform and help optimize ELISA and metabolic assays, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and proper controls.
Contribute to the development, optimization, and troubleshooting of experimental protocols.
Perform routine mouse handling and husbandry, including tagging, tailing, genotyping, and monitoring animal health.
Assist with breeding colony management, including tracking, recordkeeping, and coordination of experimental cohorts.
Ensure compliance with institutional animal care and use protocols and maintain accurate documentation.
Perform immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, including tissue preparation, sectioning support, and imaging preparation.
Maintain and perform sterile mammalian cell culture techniques, including cell plating, media changes, and basic assay support.
Assist with tissue collection, processing, and sample preparation for downstream analyses.
Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including experimental data and protocols.
Support lab operations, including purchasing, inventory management, and data entry.
Assist with routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and ensure adequate stocking of consumables.
Maintain a safe, organized, and collaborative laboratory environment.