Research Scientist/Engineer 2

Job Description

RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 2

Req #: 236382 Department: IMMUNOLOGY Job Location: Seattle - Other Posting Date: 07/03/2024 Closing Info: Open Until Filled Salary: $4,167 - $5,167 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.
The School of Medicine: Immunology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer to join their team.
Programmed cell death is an ancient process involved in development, immunity and cancer. The Oberst lab studies the mechanisms by which cells die, with a specific focus on the role of the RIP kinases, a family of enzymes that can induce programmed cell death. Projects within the Oberst Lab include: 1) Studies of the role of innate immune activation and cell death in host defense against viral infection, focusing on neurotropic flaviviruses such as West Nile and Zika viruses; 2) Efforts to understand and harness the roles of programmed cell death in tumors, including creating reagents to activate specific cell death pathways within the tumor microenvironment to improve anti-tumor immunity; and 3) Studies of the effects of cell death during congenital autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, focusing on pathologies associated with aberrant activation of nucleotide sensing pathways.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Research Scientist/Engineer 2 will conduct experiments related to specific funded projects focused on the RIP kinases. The Research Scientist/Engineer is expected to work under limited supervision and to perform tasks/projects within the research scope of the lab. In many cases, the Research Scientist/Engineer will need to evaluate, select, and apply standard techniques while also developing extensions to these standard methods. He/she will work under limited supervision, contribute data for use in reports, publications and grant applications, and is expected to participate in regular laboratory meetings and to build a peer network. The successful candidate will translate clear expectations regarding time management and task prioritization into efficient support for the research team. Lastly, the Research Scientist/Engineer will monitor the work of junior staff or students to ensure correct and timely completion of assigned tasks.

Design and create DNA vectors encoding mutant and chimeric forms of the RIP kinases, based on evolutionary and phylogenetic analysis, using Gibson-based cloning strategies. (20%)

Generate adeno-associated viral particles (AAVs) containing these constructs. (10%)

Transduce both cultured cells and living tissues with these AAVs and analyze effects. (5%)

Study expression changes in cells using Western Blotting. (5%)

Carry out basic analysis of transcriptomic data using RStudio. (10%)

Design and perform CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis studies on culture cell lines. (10%)

Analyze cell death responses in cultured cells and ex vivo tissues, focusing on the RIPK pathways. (10%)

Work with other members of the research team to coordinate and complete complex experiments with multi-day timelines while displaying excellent time management. (15%)

Record, analyze and present data using Graphpad/Prizm. (10%)

Participate in lab meetings and journal clubs as both discussion participant and presenter. (5%)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Two 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.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with laboratory mice, molecular biology, immunology, and/or tissue culture.

Experience with phylogenetic and sequence analysis, vector design, molecular cloning using Gibson assembly; work with viruses including BSL2+ work, Cell culture and transfection, data analysis using R-studio, knowledge of cell death and inflammation pathways and assays, Western blotting, gel electrophoresis, data analysis using GraphPad/Prizm, experience with fluorescent microscopy.
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 206-543-6450 or [email protected] .

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 .

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