RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 1

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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.

Field of research: Kidney Injury in critically ill patients with sepsis
Sponsors: NIH, DoD, Foundations

The University of Washington's Division Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine is seeking a Research Scientist 1 (1.0 FTE) based at the UW Harborview Medical Center Research Campus. The lab is investigating the risk of development of kidney injury in critically ill patients with sepsis. Projects involve conducting translational research in the laboratory including completing SNP based genotyping, blood and urine biomarker measurements and linking these measurements to clinical phenotypes.

Working under the oversight of the principal investigator, the RS1 would work on completing molecular measurements in the laboratory. The RS1 will also assist with processing of primary human blood and urine specimens. In addition to experimental conduct, the RS1 will be responsible for onboarding other laboratory members with duties including managing experimental calendar, orienting staff and postdoctoral trainees to required laboratory trainings and ensuring timely completion and documentation of meeting these requirements. The RS1 will also be responsible for training postdoctoral trainees on specific techniques and procedures, ensuring laboratory compliance with certifications and tracking software and equipment contract renewals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Biomarker Assays (35%):
   Perform biomarker assays using either Meso Scale Discovery platform or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay platforms. Conduct immunoassay based biomarker measurements in large volumes of patient samples. Collate results and complete validation checks. Perform subsequent analyses to determine the coefficient of variation, agreement, distribution and association with outcomes.
2. Specimen processing (25%):
   Process human subject samples (e.g., blood and urine) in accordance with established protocols. Purify and quantify human DNA including optimization of protocols and assays used to purify human DNA from EDTA plasma from critically ill populations. Subsequently complete protocol to precipitate low DNA concentrations.
3. Laboratory Management and Onboarding oversight (20%):
   Manage experimental calendar and laboratory compliance requirements. Instruct new laboratory members in laboratory safety and techniques and procedures that are commonly used in the group’s research.
4. Specimen management (10%):
   Track available human subject specimens in existing REDCap and MS Access databases. Confirm that all specimens have been obtained in compliance with approved consent process including proper subject compensation. Track and update consent documentation as needed. Contact identified subjects to request additional specimens.
5. Data analysis (10%):
   Contribute to data analysis by performing basic data quality control and statistical analysis, write reports, and contribute to planning follow-up experiments.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, immunology, microbiology or related field with one year of applicable experience. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Be able to identify technical problems in experiments and find solutions to basic problems.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills - ability to interact with laboratory personnel and study subjects.
3. Demonstrate high organizational skills and have knowledge of laboratory working environments.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience in translational research
2. BS level training in microbiology and chemistry
3. Experience with protein biomarker assays and human sample processing
4. Able to process data with basic statistical analysis, produce graphs, and develop preliminary conclusions and experimental plans
5. Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and GraphPad Prism

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.