RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 3

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 UW Department of Microbiology has an excellent opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 3.

This position is identified to support Dr. Jordan's laboratory at the Department of Microbiology. The Research Scientist/Engineer-3 (RSE3) will function as the Laboratory Manager. They will perform research that is focused on understanding antiviral systems as well as antiviral therapeutics and prophylactics. This RSE3 position is research-focused and the expectation is that the candidate will drive the development of new techniques and knowledge to answer problems at the forefront of the field.

This position requires previous knowledge and experience in the handling of Acanthamoeba and their giant viruses. Candidates are required to have at least 3 years of experience with these organisms, and at least one year of experience manipulating their genomes. This position expects independent thinking and the know-how to address open-ended questions in the literature. Candidates should also have experience with standard molecular and biochemical techniques, as well as next-generation sequencing, and protein purification. Successful candidates will be encouraged (with the mentorship of Dr. Jordan) to apply for outside funding to enhance their research portfolio and that of the lab. Candidates will be expected to help mentor junior members of the lab (undergraduate and graduate).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Project Management and Leadership 20%

Engage with PI and scientific collaborators, review grant funding Specific Aims, to research, contribute to, and refine project goals. Plan and execute multiphase projects. Plan and prepare manuscripts alongside PI.

Review and analyze data collected by delegated staff. Present data to project team groups and establish conclusions and/or next steps in address of project goals.

Ensure agreed-upon project timelines and milestones are achieved. When changes or delays to project timelines manifest, update the affected teams/personnel and collaborating groups and propose resolutions.

Communicate effectively with collaborators on the scope, execution, and reporting of projects.
Lab Scientist 80%

Conduct work in BSL1-2+ as needed

Molecular biology, tissue culture, sample processing

Routine cloning and plasmid preps in e coli, transfections of Acanthamoeba and mammalian cells to evaluate successful expression.

Western blot, gel electrophoresis, protein purification, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/RT-PCR/RT-qPCR, immunoprecipitation

Isolation of giant viruses and protozoa hosts from environmental samples

Maintain cultures of necessary cells HEK293T, Acanthamoeba spp., etc.

Quantification and isolation of viral particles.

Develop systems for genetic manipulation of Acanthamoeba and their giant virus

Prepare samples for next generation sequencing and analyze data

Analyze data in SoftMax Pro, Excel, Graphpad Prism, FlowJo and preparation of figures in GraphPad Prism and BioRender

Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or a related field and four years of relevant experience,
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This job requires detailed knowledge of the culturing, transfection, genetic manipulation, and purification of Acanthamoeba and their giant viruses.

A publication history demonstrating success in developing or implementing these techniques is required for this job.

Applicants must have four years of relevant experience with at least 3 years of research experience with giant viruses and their Acanthamoeba host.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Technical proficiency in performing and analyzing the results from standard molecular and biochemical techniques (immunoprecipitations, protein purification, cloning, next generation library preparation, etc.) is required for this job.

PhD in Microbiology or related field (e.g., Virology) is highly preferred for this position. Desirable, but not required skills are a knowledge of innate immune systems from diverse organisms, capacity to perform phylogenetic analyses of nucleic acid and protein sequences, experience culturing other protozoa known to harbor giant viruses, experience with performing or analyzing electron and/or confocal microscopy to understand the giant virus lifecycle.
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.