RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 3
Apply NowCompany: University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
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.
The primary purpose of the Research Scientist/Engineer 3 (E S UAW RSE), is to provide the appropriate environment to support outstanding biomedical research directed towards significant human health issues and nonhuman primate health and biology. In conjunction with our Mission Statement, these values link this position to our purpose as a Center:
Commitment to Research
Accountability - Productivity
Communication
The values of diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the success of our research enterprise and are embedded in the culture of who we are as an institution and employer. We create progressive change honoring the unique and diverse perspectives in the Office of Research and the UW research community. We strengthen our commitment to the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering an environment of authenticity in support of our mission to provide an equitable and accessible community to all. Read more here: https://www.washington.edu/research/or/office-of-research-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/
Under the general direction of the WaNPRC Director, this position will support non-human primate studies performed in WaNPRC's 3 biomedical research units - Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (GTRM) Infectious Disease and Translational Medicine (IDTM) & Neuroscience. This position provides comprehensive research support for investigators conducting research using nonhuman primates (NHPs). Multiple projects involving different experimental protocols and schedules are conducted concurrently. This position requires excellent organizational skills plus the flexibility to work in an environment with constantly shifting and occasionally conflicting priorities is required.
The ability to maintain confidentiality and use appropriate judgment in sensitive situations is necessary.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research Project Supervision and Coordination - WaNPRC (50%)
Act as a liaison to bridge external and internal investigators and clients with appropriate services at WaNPRC and drive budgeting, planning/logistics & projects so they proceed on reasonable timelines. This includes support for studies performed in WaNPRC's 3 biomedical research units- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (GTRM) Infectious Disease and Translational Medicine (IDTM) unit & the Neuroscience unit.
Act as a liaison to bridge external and internal investigators and clients with the WaNPRC core services - Computational and Data Analysis Core (CDAC), High Throughput and Molecular Profiling Core (HTMPC), Instrumentation Services, Vector and Cell Processing Core (VCPC), and Virology and Immunology Core (VIC).
Manage scheduling of the WaNPRC Virology & Immunology Core client study planning meetings and data review.
Develop and coordinate nonhuman primate (NHP) candidate selection and assignment to specific projects, study schedules and specimen collections with WaNPRC Animal Resources units (primarily Research Support Services, Veterinary Services, and Records and Logistics) in accordance with studies designed by investigators.
When animals have had previous project assignments, provide scientific justification for animal transfers to the IACUC when appropriate.
Develop, maintain, and amend IACUC protocols for WANPRC NHP projects.
Develop, review, and respond to VIC service request intake forms which initiate new NHP studies, custom and routine immunology/virology assays, and requests from the VIC specimen repository.
Manage scheduling of laboratory personnel for VIC assays and specimen processing.
Supervise entry and mid-level technician specimen processing, assay completion, and compilation of processed specimen quality metrics and reportable assay data.
Direct or personally engage in the manipulation, graphical representation, and articulation of raw (sample quality and explicit assay results) data as figures ready to provide to supervisors or directly communicate to clients.
Review planned/quoted work and reconcile with actual services rendered, submit billing paperwork to WaNPRC financial units to follow up with the transfer of funds.
Support the development of VIC rates regarding the historical and in-development services performed by this core.
Support advertising of critical developments/successes of the VIC and updates to available services, as well as regular website updates.
Research Project Supervision and Coordination - Fuller Lab (25%)
Act as a liaison to bridge external and internal collaboration with the Fuller lab NHP team to develop and coordinate nonhuman primate (NHP) studies to help achieve study aims.
Independently develop and coordinate nonhuman primate (NHP) study schedules and specimen collections with WaNPRC Animal Resources units (primarily Research Support Services, Veterinary Services, and Records and Logistics) in accordance with studies designed by investigators.
Independently develop, maintain, and amend IACUC protocols for Fuller NHP projects.
Process invoices - review and reconcile procurement requisitions, submit invoice paperwork to WaNPRC financial units to follow up with the transfer of funds.
Lab Support (20%)
Oversee physical specimen repository, electronic database, and client/collaborator requests for specimens from the repository.
Support specimen processing of blood and tissue samples in BSL2+ tissue culture Biosafety Cabinets, as needed and in general as the tertiary backup to the primary and secondary bench scientists assigned to these duties.
Provide expertise and perform immunoassays for specific research projects as needed. Including but not limited to ELISA, ELISPOT, PCR, qPCR, and Luminex techniques. Serve as project lead as needed for pilot projects requiring these skills.
Participate in general lab maintenance and support on an equitable team basis. Evaluating consumable and assay reagent use, restock from larger supply to individual benches/BSC/stations, notify or submit orders for new stock, basic monitoring of equipment (cold storage 4c, -20c, -80c, liquid nitrogen) and notify/personally oversee maintenance calls.
Training, Process Evaluation, Process Improvement (5%)
This is a position which benefits from comprehensive insight into the specific duties of dozens of different personnel and roles at WaNPRC- fiscal, administrative, veterinary, facilities/operations, life science, biomedical research etc.
Cross-train with and work to actively understand the specific needs and concerns of center-wide personnel.
Regularly evaluate the processes this role leads and keep contemporaneous notes on efficiency and implementation success/failures.
Establish and maintain lines of communication to unit and team leaders regarding suggestions for improvement in processes that this role touches.
Work to develop tangible improvements to involved processes whether they be on the basis of communication, documentation, process form revision and updating, automation tools, rebalancing of duties, etc.
Stay current on all required EHS, OAW, and WaNPRC trainings. Evaluate personal compliance monthly or as needed with supervisor.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in a related field and four 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
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of nonhuman primates.
Prior experience in research administration or lab management.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to maintain accurate detailed records.
Ability to work independently, troubleshooting potential bottlenecks, and managing the work flow of multiple projects and conflicting deadlines.
Experience working in an ABSL-2/3 environment.
Skilled at coordinating and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Demonstrated capacity to work well independently and in collaboration with a diverse staff and research investigators. Amicably mediate concerns and conflicts stemming from specific needs/expectations and propose/establish expectations for remediation
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Proficient in immunoassays (ELISA, ELISPOT, PCR, qPCR, Luminex, etc.)
Knowledge of animal welfare regulations, bio-safety principles, controlled drug regulations, and hazardous substance shipping.
Proficient in use of Microsoft Office suite of software with preferred advanced understanding of Outlook and Excel.
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 access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are 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 [redacted] or [redacted].
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.
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.
The primary purpose of the Research Scientist/Engineer 3 (E S UAW RSE), is to provide the appropriate environment to support outstanding biomedical research directed towards significant human health issues and nonhuman primate health and biology. In conjunction with our Mission Statement, these values link this position to our purpose as a Center:
Commitment to Research
Accountability - Productivity
Communication
The values of diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the success of our research enterprise and are embedded in the culture of who we are as an institution and employer. We create progressive change honoring the unique and diverse perspectives in the Office of Research and the UW research community. We strengthen our commitment to the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering an environment of authenticity in support of our mission to provide an equitable and accessible community to all. Read more here: https://www.washington.edu/research/or/office-of-research-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/
Under the general direction of the WaNPRC Director, this position will support non-human primate studies performed in WaNPRC's 3 biomedical research units - Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (GTRM) Infectious Disease and Translational Medicine (IDTM) & Neuroscience. This position provides comprehensive research support for investigators conducting research using nonhuman primates (NHPs). Multiple projects involving different experimental protocols and schedules are conducted concurrently. This position requires excellent organizational skills plus the flexibility to work in an environment with constantly shifting and occasionally conflicting priorities is required.
The ability to maintain confidentiality and use appropriate judgment in sensitive situations is necessary.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research Project Supervision and Coordination - WaNPRC (50%)
Act as a liaison to bridge external and internal investigators and clients with appropriate services at WaNPRC and drive budgeting, planning/logistics & projects so they proceed on reasonable timelines. This includes support for studies performed in WaNPRC's 3 biomedical research units- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine (GTRM) Infectious Disease and Translational Medicine (IDTM) unit & the Neuroscience unit.
Act as a liaison to bridge external and internal investigators and clients with the WaNPRC core services - Computational and Data Analysis Core (CDAC), High Throughput and Molecular Profiling Core (HTMPC), Instrumentation Services, Vector and Cell Processing Core (VCPC), and Virology and Immunology Core (VIC).
Manage scheduling of the WaNPRC Virology & Immunology Core client study planning meetings and data review.
Develop and coordinate nonhuman primate (NHP) candidate selection and assignment to specific projects, study schedules and specimen collections with WaNPRC Animal Resources units (primarily Research Support Services, Veterinary Services, and Records and Logistics) in accordance with studies designed by investigators.
When animals have had previous project assignments, provide scientific justification for animal transfers to the IACUC when appropriate.
Develop, maintain, and amend IACUC protocols for WANPRC NHP projects.
Develop, review, and respond to VIC service request intake forms which initiate new NHP studies, custom and routine immunology/virology assays, and requests from the VIC specimen repository.
Manage scheduling of laboratory personnel for VIC assays and specimen processing.
Supervise entry and mid-level technician specimen processing, assay completion, and compilation of processed specimen quality metrics and reportable assay data.
Direct or personally engage in the manipulation, graphical representation, and articulation of raw (sample quality and explicit assay results) data as figures ready to provide to supervisors or directly communicate to clients.
Review planned/quoted work and reconcile with actual services rendered, submit billing paperwork to WaNPRC financial units to follow up with the transfer of funds.
Support the development of VIC rates regarding the historical and in-development services performed by this core.
Support advertising of critical developments/successes of the VIC and updates to available services, as well as regular website updates.
Research Project Supervision and Coordination - Fuller Lab (25%)
Act as a liaison to bridge external and internal collaboration with the Fuller lab NHP team to develop and coordinate nonhuman primate (NHP) studies to help achieve study aims.
Independently develop and coordinate nonhuman primate (NHP) study schedules and specimen collections with WaNPRC Animal Resources units (primarily Research Support Services, Veterinary Services, and Records and Logistics) in accordance with studies designed by investigators.
Independently develop, maintain, and amend IACUC protocols for Fuller NHP projects.
Process invoices - review and reconcile procurement requisitions, submit invoice paperwork to WaNPRC financial units to follow up with the transfer of funds.
Lab Support (20%)
Oversee physical specimen repository, electronic database, and client/collaborator requests for specimens from the repository.
Support specimen processing of blood and tissue samples in BSL2+ tissue culture Biosafety Cabinets, as needed and in general as the tertiary backup to the primary and secondary bench scientists assigned to these duties.
Provide expertise and perform immunoassays for specific research projects as needed. Including but not limited to ELISA, ELISPOT, PCR, qPCR, and Luminex techniques. Serve as project lead as needed for pilot projects requiring these skills.
Participate in general lab maintenance and support on an equitable team basis. Evaluating consumable and assay reagent use, restock from larger supply to individual benches/BSC/stations, notify or submit orders for new stock, basic monitoring of equipment (cold storage 4c, -20c, -80c, liquid nitrogen) and notify/personally oversee maintenance calls.
Training, Process Evaluation, Process Improvement (5%)
This is a position which benefits from comprehensive insight into the specific duties of dozens of different personnel and roles at WaNPRC- fiscal, administrative, veterinary, facilities/operations, life science, biomedical research etc.
Cross-train with and work to actively understand the specific needs and concerns of center-wide personnel.
Regularly evaluate the processes this role leads and keep contemporaneous notes on efficiency and implementation success/failures.
Establish and maintain lines of communication to unit and team leaders regarding suggestions for improvement in processes that this role touches.
Work to develop tangible improvements to involved processes whether they be on the basis of communication, documentation, process form revision and updating, automation tools, rebalancing of duties, etc.
Stay current on all required EHS, OAW, and WaNPRC trainings. Evaluate personal compliance monthly or as needed with supervisor.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in a related field and four 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
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of nonhuman primates.
Prior experience in research administration or lab management.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to maintain accurate detailed records.
Ability to work independently, troubleshooting potential bottlenecks, and managing the work flow of multiple projects and conflicting deadlines.
Experience working in an ABSL-2/3 environment.
Skilled at coordinating and managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Demonstrated capacity to work well independently and in collaboration with a diverse staff and research investigators. Amicably mediate concerns and conflicts stemming from specific needs/expectations and propose/establish expectations for remediation
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Proficient in immunoassays (ELISA, ELISPOT, PCR, qPCR, Luminex, etc.)
Knowledge of animal welfare regulations, bio-safety principles, controlled drug regulations, and hazardous substance shipping.
Proficient in use of Microsoft Office suite of software with preferred advanced understanding of Outlook and Excel.
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 access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are 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 [redacted] or [redacted].
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.