Research Scientist/Engineer-Senior

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

1d•$144,000 - $168,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Institute for Protein Design has an outstanding opportunity for Research Scientist/Engineer Senior to join their team. The position provides scientific and programmatic leadership for the Institute for Protein Design's (IPD) research into designing protein-inorganic interfaces to control the formation of protein-inorganic hybrids. This role leads the design, execution, and delivery of the IPD's externally funded materials research initiatives, including the ARIA-funded program Protein Organised Engineered Materials (POEM). The position establishes and leads international collaborations for this program and reports directly to David Baker, Director of the IPD, and to Programme Managers at ARIA (the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency). Purpose of the research project(s): The position directs a complex research program that integrates multiple disciplines: de novo protein design, high-throughput materials synthesis screening, microfluidic screening of soft-matter phase changes, structural characterization of complex hybrid materials, and functional magnetic characterization. It requires independent judgment to establish and maintain scientific direction in an emerging field with uncertain outcomes, coordinate an international team of scientific partners across three institutions, and provide deliverables to external funders. It involves preparing major funding proposals, maintaining accountability for their deliverables, and presenting the results of research programs to the broader scientific community.

Requirements

Doctoral Degree in Biochemistry, chemistry or material sciences and 7 years of experience in related field.
Advanced expertise in de novo protein design of protein-inorganic interfaces.
Demonstrated leadership of complex, multi-institution research programs, including securing external funding and organizing and directing research teams.
An established international collaborative network connecting protein design to materials science.
Experience establishing interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Responsibilities

Leads the ARIA POEM research program (50%)
Serves as Project Lead.
Plans and directs the technically complex research program, which involves multiple organizations and disciplines.
Scopes the project, assembles the team, develops the project plan including milestones and go/no-go decision points, and defines the technical approach for meeting the research program's goals.
Sets the scientific direction and objectives, oversees implementation of methodology, directs data acquisition and interpretation, and formulates hypotheses across the program.
Interfaces with the grant sponsor and UW management on the ongoing program. Project results impact the UW research mission and are visible in the peer community.
Leads the interdisciplinary project team and provides major input to its staffing, including service on the Baker Lab's post-doctoral hiring committee, and mentors staff in development of technical, scientific, and project management skills.
Leads UW's role on the DOE Genesis Mission project (25%)
Serves as Senior Personnel for UW's portion of the PNNL-led DOE Genesis Mission project (Phase I).
Leads UW's work toward a multi-year Phase II contract with the DOE Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences.
Maintains external research relationships to identify and develop this new funding source.
Mentors staff in development of scientific and technical skills.
Conducts and directs an independent research program (15%)
Plans and directs research applying de novo protein design to the control of inorganic crystal growth and the design of macroscopic functional hybrid materials.
Develops innovative new methods and extends the technology into new application areas.
Establishes recognition as a scientific leader in the design of protein-inorganic interfaces, advancing the state of the art in the field.
Leads research funding acquisition and proposal development (5%)
Initiates new project concepts and seeks funding sources.
Develops technical proposals and makes presentations to grant sponsors.
Identifies grant and project extensions and applies for funding.
Presents research and represents the program externally (5%)
Gives invited talks and participates in external seminars, workshops, and professional societies and committees.
Uses an established and growing peer network to expand technical capabilities and identify new research opportunities at the national and international level.