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 Institute for Protein Design (IPD) at the University of Washington in Seattle is creating a new world of synthetic proteins to address 21st-century challenges in medicine, energy, and technology. The IPD is a unique interdisciplinary environment where world-class researchers with expertise in computing and software, biochemistry, genome sciences, biological structure, pharmacology, immunology and other basic science disciplines, as well as clinical medicine, work together to both computationally design and experimentally characterize novel biomolecules. Current projects include the design of novel therapeutics for cancer, neurological diseases, and more, as well as new vaccines, nanomaterials, and enzymes. For more detailed information about the Institute for Protein Design please see www.ipd.uw.edu.
The Institute of Protein Design has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 2 – MLS.
The primary responsibilities of the RES2-MLS are:
Construction of gene libraries from chip synthesized oligonucleotides and screening of computationally designed minibinders with functional features using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), next-generation DNA sequencing, followed by clonal protein production and biophysical testing of function.
Regularly review, analyze, and troubleshoot all experimental results for all minibinder molecular library production from chip synthesized oligonucleotides including: fragment amplification, plasmid verification, sequencing data quality assessment, yeast strain verification, and flow cytometry.
Design, test, and implement protocols and techniques into existing minibinder molecular library construction and screening workflows to improve standardization and efficiency.
Collaborate with other research staff, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students on computational minibinder protein screening, production and characterization.
Evaluate current and proposed protocols for accuracy, reagent conservation, and validity of resulting data.
Works effectively as a member of a team under technical guidance of seasoned staff; establishes productive relationships with co-workers, customers and others to accomplish team objectives; may guide the work of co-workers, students, research aides/assistants, technicians or other support staff as necessary to achieve specific assignments.
Leads small projects and/or major project tasks which may last years, and effectively manages them by providing guidance and direction to project staff; makes substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals/objectives; interfaces with investigator peers.
Performs assignments designed to develop professional work knowledge providing foundation for innovative thinking and techniques
Works under immediate supervision to complete assigned tasks/projects.
Percentage of effort:
In this role, the RES2 – MLS will spend ~60% of the effort dedicated to the molecular library construction screening activities.
A ~20% of effort will be dedicated to maintenance of instruments needed for molecular screening.
The remaining ~20% of effort will be dedicated to protein production and biophysical characterization of single proteins.
MIMIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biology or related field + 2 years or more of experience in related field.
Experience with molecular library construction, FACS machines and next-generation DNA sequencing desired. Candidates must be capable of selecting and applying standardized scientific procedures and techniques to assignments of moderate complexity, involving potentially conflicting design requirements.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum requirements.
DESIRED REQUIREMENTS
Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaborative ability as well as independent thought.
Recognized as a resource for others to use in dealing with molecular library screening. Anticipates future needs in novel protocol development.
Ability to develop innovative processes to achieve goals. Reviews work activities to determine where new information could improve processes or move projects forward.
Ability to select and apply standardized scientific procedures and techniques to assignments of moderate complexity, involving potentially conflicting assay requirements.
The application process for UW positions 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 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.
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.
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 a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
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].
COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14.2 requires employees of higher education and healthcare institutions to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination. View the Final candidate guide to COVID-19 vaccination requirement webpage for information about the medical or religious exemption process for final candidates.