RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 2

University of Washington Bothell

University of Washington Bothell

USD 5,160-5,676 / month
Posted on May 20, 2025

RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 2

Req #: 242880
Department: MICROBIOLOGY
Job Location: Seattle - South Lake Union
Job Location Detail: SLU3.2, M-F 8 hrs/day
Posting Date: 01/24/2025
Closing Info: Open Until Filled
Salary: $5,160 - $5,676 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 Department of Microbiology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 2 to join their team.

This position will support various infectious disease and cancer research studies in nonhuman primates and mice with an emphasis in influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and therapeutics at BSL2/BSL2+/ABSL2 as well as BSL3/ABSL3. Engaged in research studies which develop and test novel vaccines and immunomodulators for the therapy or prevention of cancer and infectious diseases with an emphasis in Influenza Virus, SARS-CoV-2 Virus, and Coccidoidies sp. fungus (aka Valley Fever) research.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In vitro Laboratory Bench Work (45%)

  • Cell culture techniques, cell line maintenance and development.
  • Tissue culture techniques, cell line generation.
  • Tissue processing of mouse and non-human primate (NHP), including isolation of lymphocytes from lymph nodes, jejunum, vagina, rectum, blood, colon, & bronchio-alvelolar lavage using Percoll, Ficoll, and other lymphocyte separation techniques; cryopreservation of cells.
  • Support for immunophenotyping & intracellular cytokine staining assays (flow cytometry), ELISA, ELISpot.
  • Molecular biology techniques, including DNA gels, western blots, DNA transformation in bacteria and mammalian cells, viral titers, recombinatant DNA, qPCR and other PCR-based methodology, nucleic acid extractions Luminex-based multiplex assays, plaque assays, HAI assays, PRNT assays for SARS-CoV-2.
  • Some of the above techniques/assays will also be performed in BSL2 and BSL3 facilities.

    In vivo Animal Work (30%)

  • Animal research skills including mouse handling, bleeding, infections, weighing, tissue sampling, anesthesia via isoflurane gas or ketamine/xylazine administration, anesthesia recovery monitoring, therapeutic drug candidate administration, experimental vaccine administration, humane euthanasia of mice.
  • Animal monitoring, colony management, and data managment.
  • In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS) for fluorescent/luminescent markers used in drug/vaccine administration methodology.

    General Laboratory Maintenance and Support (25%)

  • Shipping category B samples to collaborators.
  • Receive/store shipments from collaborators/vendors.
  • Monitor supply inventory and alert purchasing team when low.
  • Coordinate broadly with team members to prepare equipment/supplies in support of tissue processing/assays.
  • Maintain electronic laboratory notebook, regularly report experimental results to manager; ensure exceptional record keeping if/when experiments change in any way.
  • Present results in lab meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

    MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, microbiology or other biological sciences or related field and two years of relevant experience, 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

  • Prior experience with organizing and restocking laboratories such as: routinely checking research reagent and supply stocks to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies; routine inspection & maintenance of laboratory equipment; assisting with organization and maintenance of lab space including organizing newly purchased laboratory supplies; setting up & cleaning up after experiments; autoclaving, aliquoting of reagents.
  • Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and adapt to different tasks. Strong organizational skills including ability to work efficiently with competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Experience working with Aseptic cell culture.
  • Experience with mouse handling and techniques, including bleeding, injections, administering anesthesia, weighing, euthanasia and necropsy.
  • Knowledge and experience working with Ex vivo processing of mouse and NHP tissue; significant experience in processing tissues from nonhuman primates and mice including purifying lymphocytes from lung, spleen, liver, bronchioalveolar lavages, lymph nodes, GI tract, & reproductive tract tissues. Experience in long-term tissue fixation in formalin & ethanol, OCT molds/cassettes; cell/tissue culture methodologyexperience with specimen preparation from nonhuman primates. Experience with cryopreservation of nonhuman primates specimens. Working knowledge and experience with automated cell counters.
  • Immunological assay experience including flow cytometry staining, intracellular cytokine staining, ELISA, ELISPOT, etc.
  • Molecular assay experience, including HAI Assay, ELISA, ELISPOT, ICS, Luminex/multiplex, qPCR/Rt-qPCR, PCR-based methodology, nucleic acid extraction.
  • Working knowledge of data analysis, inventory, and presentation software including MS Excel, Powerpoint, FlowJo, and Prism.

    DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience and knowledge in BSL2 and BSL3 practices.
  • Ability to make independent judgments that will promote efficiency and add value to laborarotry's research.
  • Packing and shipment of precious Category A research samples.

    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 dso@uw.edu.

    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.