RESEARCH SCIENTIST / ENGINEER 2 - (Dr. Seshadri's Lab)
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Department of Medicine : Allergy and Infectious Diseases has an outstanding opportunity for Research Scientist / Engineer 2.
Field of Research :
This position will engage in Infectious Diseases and Immunology.
Purpose of Research :
This position will have an understanding of how immune system responds to tuberculous infection.
RESPONSIBILITIES :
The Research Scientist will work with a team as well as independently on research projects requiring various techniques.
They will also help with general lab maintenance and administrative responsibilities. The individual will directly report to the Lab Manager and to the Principal Investigator of the lab.
The Research Scientist will perform the following duties :
Research and Development (75%)
- Perform assays to study human T cell responses to mycobacterial lipid antigens. This includes identification of antigen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) from human and non-human primate samples and optimizing methods to clone and exogenously express TCRs in human T cells starting with established techniques and optimized protocols.
- Identify new TCRs to study based on experimental results. Design experiments to pursue identification of the new TCRs of interest using established techniques or testing new methods to accomplish the goal.
- Perform multi-parameter flow cytometry experiments, including cell sorting, using existing panels or designing new panels using human and non-human primate samples.
This includes validation of individual reagents and assuring that the complete panel provides sensitive detection and quality data with minimal artifact.
- Applies standardized scientific procedures and techniques and uses experience and judgement to make modifications as necessary.
- Analyze experimental data using standard software ( Excel and Prism), and liase with the lab bioinformation as needed for data analysis.
- Conduct literature searches related to research projects and be able to contextualize results. In addition, apply fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of cell biology and / or molecular biology, and continuously develop expertise and knowledge through experience and application.
Develop conclusions and hypotheses based on experimental results, and propose next steps.
- Summarize data and results in lab notebooks and digital records, and present findings in lab meetings and at local conferences.
- Prepare results to be used in paper publications and to be used in grant submissions.
- Interacts collaboratively within the team as well as with others outside of the team or organization to achieve project goals.
Lab Maintenance and Administrative (20%)
- Oversee general lab maintenance ( lab ordering, lab inventory, lab organization, preparation of lab reagents) with guidance from the lab manager.
- Assist with development of new protocols with limited input or improves on existing protocols. This includes evaluating costs associated with the new protocols.
- Collaborate with management of Environmental Health & Safety procedures, protocols, and inspections with guidance from the lab manager.
- Perform other laboratory management duties as required.
Supervision and training (5%)
- Train incoming students on lab-specific techniques and procedures. Ensure that correct procedures are followed and deadlines are met.
- Act as role model and mentor for new students
- May lead specific tasks within the project scope when more than one person is needed to achieve the goal and takes responsibility for assuring high quality data is collected and analyzed by project deadlines.
Research Sponsors / Stakeholders :
NIH, UW, Open Philanthropy
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :
Bachelor’s degree in biology sciences, or related field and two years of relevant experience, OR Equivalent combination of education / experience.
Equivalent education / experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license / certification / registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :
- Scientific basic education in biology, medicine, or related disciplines.
- Sterile technique, excellent organization, time management, and communication skills.
DESIRED :
- Experience with FACS analysis, RT-PCR, handling human blood specimens, data analysis in R / Python, etc.