Research Scientist/Engineer 4

Job Description

RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 4

Req #: 244669 Department: DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE: MEDICAL GENETICS Appointing Department Web Address: https://medgen.uw.edu/ Job Location: Health Sciences Center, Seattle Campus Posting Date: 03/28/2025 Closing Info: Closes On 04/04/2025 Salary: $6,944 - $10,427 per month Other Compensation: Union Position: Yes Limited Recruitment: Open to UW Employees only
If you are a UW employee and would like to be considered for this position, please login to your UW employee profile to apply. 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 Division of Medical Genetics has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 4 to join their team.
POSITION PURPOSE
The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, and our environment is noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
The Division of Medical Genetics has an outstanding opportunity for a highly skilled Research Scientist/Engineer 4 (FULL-TIME) in the laboratory of Dr. Andrew Stergachis, MD, PhD. The purpose of this position is to lead and advance research efforts within the Stergachis lab, specifically focusing on applying epigenetic sequencing technologies for resolving the molecular basis of Huntington’s disease. The Research Scientist/Engineer 4 will be responsible for overseeing daily lab operations, mentoring staff, and contributing to strategic planning and funding efforts; design and execute experiments related to chromatin and genetic analysis, particularly using advanced sequencing platforms; to create and optimize computational tools for analyzing epigenetic data, with a focus on repeat expansion disorders like Huntington’s disease. This position requires a strong background in molecular biology and computational analysis of long-read sequencing data, especially in the context of repeat expansion disorders.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Lab Management (30%)
• Responsible for day-to-day direct lab oversight by providing leadership, mentorship, complex problem solving, and training to trainees and other research staff within labs. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator draft and develop job descriptions for new positions, lead and participate in recruitment/hiring of new staff.
• Identifies gaps in lab staffing for this project and other projects in the lab and looks for opportunities to improve lab efficiency in staffing and staff responsibility. Provide recommendations to PI and coordinate to enact changes for this project.
• Contribute to the broad strategic objectives of the laboratory, initiate new project concepts and contribute technical knowledge to determining feasibility of goals and objectives of the study, and, in collaboration with the Principal Investigator to identify new funding sources and submit grant proposals for new lab projects.
• Serve as team lead on select projects, guiding junior scientists in research methodologies, best practices, and the scientific principles relevant to their work. Leads the coordination and design process for multiple experiments across several academic labs and contract research organizations (CROs).
• Draft and deliver periodic reports and provided regular updates to the Principal Investigator, project funder(s) and various stakeholders.
• Presents analysis findings at group meetings, national conferences, and at meetings with the funder(s).
• Develop and write comprehensive scientific manuscripts, including detailed sections on background, methodology, results, and discussion, ensuring clarity, precision, and adherence to publication standards.
• Serve as a point of contact for UW researchers seeking collaboration. Providing consultation in study design and analysis to the broader UW Medical Genetics research community, including advising on appropriate sample collection and DNA extraction methods and maintain accurate and complete experimental/ protocol records
Experimental Chromatin and Genetic Analysis (40%)
• Plans and carries out experiments to prepare samples for sequencing using SMRT and Illumina technologies. Continuously improves lab methods to ensure high-quality results.
• Analyze sophisticated and complex data sets. Identify and troubleshoot problems that may arise during experiments or data collection. Ensure that the data collected is accurate and reliable by implementing quality control measures.
• Contributes to the design and testing of novel epigenetic assay techniques. Provides feedback on technical methodology to other lab staff and Principal Investigator.
Epigenetic Tool Development for Repeat Disorders (30%)
• Design and implement a sophisticated and advanced computing tool for processing and interpreting epigenetic sequencing data.
• Collaborate with researchers to ensure tools meet the specific needs of studying repeat expansion disorders.
• Optimize algorithms for detecting and analyzing epigenetic modifications and patterns.
• Integrate multi-omics data to provide comprehensive insights into chromatin and genetic architecture.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Master’s degree in biology, genetics, neurosciences, or related field, and four years of relevant experience, including experience analyzing single-molecule chromatin data
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to utilize and contribute to computational tools in common scripting languages (e.g., Linux, Python, and R).
• Strong letters of recommendation.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Strong understanding of human genetics.
• Ability to work, collaborate and communicate well within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational abilities and laboratory skills, including the ability to keep detailed records of procedures performed and sample tracking.
• Familiarity with standard genomic formats (BAM, VCF, etc).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Understanding of long-read sequencing.
• PhD in biology, genetics, neurosciences, or related experience.
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.
#UWDeptMedicineJobs

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 .

Open to UW Employees only
If you are a UW employee and would like to be considered for this position, please login to your UW employee profile to apply.