Research Scientist/Engr Asst

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Purpose of the research project(s): The RSE-assistant will provide technical support to RSEs exploring mechanisms underlying prion appearance. Major Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Media, reagent, and glassware preparation for laboratory research; cleaning and sterilization of glassware for culture growth and liquid transfers; preparation of solid medium for yeast and bacterial growth, preparation of liquid growth media for yeast and bacterial growth; preparation of buffers for gel electrophoresis and western blotting; preparation of reagents and reagent aliquots for cell lysis, genomic preps, cloning, etc. 30% 2. Ordering laboratory supplies and maintaining inventory and equipment; liaising with department administration and external vendors for pricing and purchasing. 10% 3. Provide experimental support to Research Scientist/Engineers; work closely with senior RSEs to perform experiments investigating prion dynamics according to established protocols; troubleshoot, amend, and optimize experimental protocols with guidance from senior RSEs; read the literature regularly to gain understanding of prion dynamics in yeast and mammalian systems and so as to develop/design appropriate methodology for experiments; make and maintain records of all experiments performed and data collected; analyze results, develop data-informed conclusions and hypotheses. 50% 4. Attend weekly biochemistry departmental seminars and other departmental (e.g., genome science, lab medicine, etc.) seminars related to our field of interest; attend and participate/present at the weekly joint group meeting with the Klevitt lab; participate in departmental student/postdoc research presentations/talks; summarize data into coherent story for weekly presentation with colleagues and lab manager. 10%

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biology and Chemistry + less than one year of experience in related field.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Work and think independently.
Follow written protocols meticulously and maintain a detailed laboratory notebook.
Willingness to work flexible hours.
Strong math and language skills.
Basic computer knowledge required (word processing, spreadsheets, database searches).
Knowledge of molecular biology, genetic and/or biochemistry concepts.

Nice To Haves

Experience in laboratory techniques including:
Preparation of reagents for personal use, preparation of stock reagents and media for the laboratory, place orders for laboratory reagents and supplies with external vendors.
Recombinant DNA research (cloning, mutagenesis).
Genetic crosses, construction of recombinant yeast strains, genetic screening in yeast.
Protein biochemistry (protein expression, extraction, purification, gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation).

Responsibilities

Media, reagent, and glassware preparation for laboratory research; cleaning and sterilization of glassware for culture growth and liquid transfers; preparation of solid medium for yeast and bacterial growth, preparation of liquid growth media for yeast and bacterial growth; preparation of buffers for gel electrophoresis and western blotting; preparation of reagents and reagent aliquots for cell lysis, genomic preps, cloning, etc.
Ordering laboratory supplies and maintaining inventory and equipment; liaising with department administration and external vendors for pricing and purchasing.
Provide experimental support to Research Scientist/Engineers; work closely with senior RSEs to perform experiments investigating prion dynamics according to established protocols; troubleshoot, amend, and optimize experimental protocols with guidance from senior RSEs; read the literature regularly to gain understanding of prion dynamics in yeast and mammalian systems and so as to develop/design appropriate methodology for experiments; make and maintain records of all experiments performed and data collected; analyze results, develop data-informed conclusions and hypotheses.
Attend weekly biochemistry departmental seminars and other departmental (e.g. genome science, lab medicine, etc.) seminars related to our field of interest; attend and participate/present at the weekly joint group meeting with the Klevitt lab; participate in departmental student/postdoc research presentations/talks; summarize data into coherent story for weekly presentation with colleagues and lab manager.