RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 1

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Department: DEPARTMENT OF LABORATORY MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY

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.

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.

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 1 to join their team.

POSITION PURPOSE
Provide support to the Virology Clinical Research team with major duties and responsibilities including performing technical procedures in a virology laboratory including but not limited to droplet digital PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, PCR sequencing, next-generation sequencing and tissue, plasma, and FFPE DNA and RNA extractions on biological samples. Perform laboratory established procedures to process and inventory biological samples. Report the results, organize documents and keep records. Perform or assist with data analysis tasks and data management under supervision.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analytical/Technical Duties (60%):
• Under general supervision, perform experiments according to established standard operation procedures, documented research protocols and study plans.
• Under general supervision, perform validation of the techniques– notify supervisor or senior lab members if results are not agreeable with experimental goals.
• Assist in troubleshooting problems that arise in research protocols and making necessary modifications.
• Assist supervisor and/or senior lab members in developing techniques including multiplex PCR, next-generation sequencing library preparation, and novel digital PCR tests.
• Analytical (Data) Duties (10%):
• Compile data and results to be used in publications and presentations; participate in presentations to peers and supervisor both at formal lab meetings and informal meetings with colleagues.
• Perform data analysis tasks related to PCR and sequencing assays according to standard operating procedures and protocols, report results to supervisor.
• Operational Duties (30%):
• Prepare and QC reagents and reaction mixes.
• Operate and maintain necessary instruments utilized in scientific studies of laboratory experiments, including but not limited to: PCR thermocyclers, qPCR instruments, RNA/DNA fragment bioanalyzer, gel electrophoresis apparati, NGS sequencing instruments, droplet generator, droplet reader and their associated computers.
• Maintain detailed lab records.
• Update specimen inventory.
• Inventory reagents and supplies.
• General lab cleaning and maintenance.
• Conduct literature reviews and background searches to assist in determining research methods.
• Operate ancillary equipment such as computers, printers, etc.
• Perform related duties as required.
• Attend and participate in lab meetings.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology or a related field AND one (1) year of experience in a molecular biology lab and familiarity with procedures in biological specimen handling, storage and processing 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.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Molecular biology background
• PCR
• Sequencing
• Computer programming ability to analyze sequencing data

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.