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RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 3
 

RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 3
Req #: 231744
Department: DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY - IPD
Job Location: Seattle Campus
Posting Date: 05/07/2024 
Closing Info: Open Until Filled 
Salary: $6,800 - $8,700 per month 
Other Compensation:  
Union Position: Yes
Shift: First Shift 
Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.  

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. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Research Scientist/Engineer 3 (E S UAW RSE) is responsible for the following: Independently lead and/or work within multiple project teams (COVID, Malaria, etc.) for data generation, analysis and reporting  with an emphasis on high quality data and quick turnaround. This will involve:

Passaging and Transfection (40%)
  • Build upon and iterate on existing protocols and SOPs  to improve efficiency and adherence to aseptic technique at group level.
  • Develop additional protocols and SOPs, with an emphasis on documentation of cell viability, reagents used and TC conditions for consistency and accuracy.
  • Execute standard screens and develop custom transfection protocols for difficult targets, as necessary.
  • Proactive in identifying and triaging complex problems and related technical issues leading to long-term effective solutions.

    Stable cell line and alternative host support (5%)
  • Develop stable cell lines for key IPD programs to support scale-up production in a WAVE25 bioreactor.
  • Cross-train and/or assist in evaluation of alternative hosts to support generation of biologics and vaccines.

    Documentation, Reporting and Meetings (15%)
  • Author protocols, reports, batch records, certificates of testing, and presentations detailing experimental work and summarizing results.
  • Attend internal group and sub-group project meetings to present data, and discuss roadblocks.
  • Attend meetings with external collaborators of the IPD, as needed.
  • Quality assurance and control documentation

    LEADERSHIP AND CORE OPERATIONS
    Training and mentoring (25%)
  • Training BioVaxPD core team members in aseptic technique, passaging, transfection, nanoparticle assembly and characterization,  and equipment operation.
  • Mentors junior staff in transfection optimization and screening, and  data analysis and Certificate of Testing preparation.

    Procurement and Inventory Management (10%)
  • Responsible for procuring, stocking and managing TC reagents and materials

    Equipment Maintenance (5%)
  • Implement maintenance protocols on core equipment to enhance reliability and availability.
  • Collaborate and communicate with BioVaxPD core lead and  with lab management to facilitate instrument repairs and service contracts.

    MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, molecular biology, or any other relevant field + 4 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
    The Research Scientist/Engineer 3 is expected to contribute to lab and TC room maintenance and be willing and able to travel to and work at two IPD sites (15-min walking distance) depending on the task. Cart transportation is occasionally available.

    DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Previous experience or familiarity with molecular biology, aseptic technique, passaging, and  transient transfection.
  • General knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology techniques and analytics.
  • Hands-on experience or familiarity with basic construct design, gene ordering, sequence alignments, colonyPCR, maxipreps, etc.
  • Hands-on experience working with and passaging Expi293 cell lines, using a Vicell to measure cell viability.
  • Previous experience or familiarity with establishing passing and transfection schedules and routines.
  • Hands-on experience writing and running methods to purifying proteins by IMAC, proA, HIC, IEX, SEC on  AKTA AVANT or AKTA Pure systems, packing custom columns for chromatography as necessary.
  • Hands-on experience or familiarity with biophysical methods for protein characterization such as UV-Vis, Dynamic light scattering,  SDS-PAGE, MS, HPLC  Octet, ELISA, nSEM, and Western blot.
  • Previous experience developing and authoring training materials and guides
  • Previous training and mentoring experience, or the desire to train and mentor junior staff through in-person instruction.
  • Desire to learn and integrate existing workflows with vaccine development and QC pipelines

    Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

    • Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

    The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

    To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

    Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.