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 Department of Ophthalmology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 3 to join their team.
This position will independently apply advanced knowledge of scientific research principles and practices in qualitative and stakeholder engagement methods and related fields. The Research Scientist/Engineer 3 will make decisions independently on technical problems and methods and represent the project in conferences to resolve important questions and plan and coordinate work.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Research Scientist/Engineer 3 will play a crucial role in advancing the Van Gelder Lab's research in molecular diagnostics of ocular diseases, vision restoration, and non-visual photoreception. This role involves independently applying scientific knowledge to manage and execute complex projects, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute to significant discoveries in these fields.
Research Activities (40%)
Sample curation, storage, and logging: Manage and ensure the integrity of ocular samples, coordinating with lab protocols to support studies on microbial keratitis, conjunctivitis, and endophthalmitis.
DNA Purification and Microbial Enrichment: Lead DNA extraction and microbial enrichment methods, critical to identifying infectious agents on the ocular surface using next-generation sequencing.
Quality Control and Deep Sequencing: Execute rigorous quality control and operate sequencing technologies (Nanopore and Illumina) for precise, rapid diagnostics of ocular infectious diseases.
Photoswitch and Non-visual Opsin Research: Support ongoing projects involving synthetic small molecule photoswitches aimed at restoring vision, and conduct studies on non-visual opsins (Opn3, Opn4, Opn5) to explore their effects on circadian rhythms and wound healing.
Data Analysis (40%)
Bioinformatic Analysis and Data Assembly: Apply bioinformatics tools to analyze DNA sequences, focusing on characterizing healthy and diseased ocular and periocular microbiomes and developing rapid diagnostic pipelines.
Database Management: Oversee databases for tracking results related to ocular diagnostics, vision restoration, and photoreception research, ensuring secure, efficient data handling.
Experimental Results Interpretation: Analyze and interpret data from molecular diagnostics, vision restoration, and non-visual opsin studies to advance the lab's research goals and improve diagnostic or therapeutic approaches.
Communications (20%)
Collaboration with External Institutions: Serve as a primary contact for research collaborations, sharing findings and coordinating efforts to advance molecular diagnostic methods and therapeutic research.
Reporting and Dissemination of Findings: Prepare and present research findings in reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conferences, representing the Van Gelder Lab's work in molecular diagnostics and vision sciences.
Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer: Mentor junior staff in scientific methods and bioinformatics, enhancing the lab's expertise in next-generation sequencing and therapeutic research.
Other Responsibilities
Develop protocols to improve lab efficiency and contribute to grant proposals aligned with the lab's research in ocular diagnostics, vision restoration, and non-visual photoreception.
Mentor and support lab staff or trainees, sharing technical knowledge and fostering skill development in next-generation sequencing, molecular diagnostics, and bioinformatics.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in biology, Chemistry or related field and four years of experience with proficiency in DNA extraction and purification methods 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
Advanced knowledge of qualitative and stakeholder engagement methods.
Experience with microbiome research.
Experience with DNA extraction and purification.
Proficiency in nanopore and Illumina sequencing technologies.
Experience with Bioinformatic analysis and database management.
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 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 [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 Department of Ophthalmology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 3 to join their team.
This position will independently apply advanced knowledge of scientific research principles and practices in qualitative and stakeholder engagement methods and related fields. The Research Scientist/Engineer 3 will make decisions independently on technical problems and methods and represent the project in conferences to resolve important questions and plan and coordinate work.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Research Scientist/Engineer 3 will play a crucial role in advancing the Van Gelder Lab's research in molecular diagnostics of ocular diseases, vision restoration, and non-visual photoreception. This role involves independently applying scientific knowledge to manage and execute complex projects, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute to significant discoveries in these fields.
Research Activities (40%)
Data Analysis (40%)
Communications (20%)
Other Responsibilities
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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 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 [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.