Employment
The Institute for Protein Design (IPD) at the University of Washington in Seattle is creating new 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 information about the Institute, please see www.ipd.uw.edu.
Open Positions:
Research Scientist 1 – Vivarium
In this vivarium-based role, the Research Scientist will work in a collaborative environment to perform and develop studies in support of in vivo experiments. They will assist with in vivo study design in collaboration with research staff and the Core Lead. This position reports to a Core Leader and will be part of a group that values data quality, high productivity, compliance, animal ethics, and teamwork.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Candidates must have familiarity with office productivity software (Word, Powerpoint, Excel) to prepare research reports for the work performed. Candidates must be proficient with sterile laboratory maintenance and familiar with BSL1 and BSL2 & ABSL2 requirements, including demonstrated experience with aseptic technique and animal handling and techniques. This position will assist graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff, and help train undergraduates.
Percentage of effort:
• In vivo study support – 90%
• General ABSL2 support – 10%
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Cell Biology or related life sciences
• One year of experience in a related field.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Previous experience or familiarity with molecular biology, ELISA assay operation and development.
• General knowledge of immunology and cell biology techniques and analytics.
DESIRED:
• Previous experience with biophysical methods for protein characterization, previous experience with ELISA assay development and qualification.
• Previous experience with cell-based assays.
Click here to apply →
Research Scientist 2 — Molecular Biologist
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- 60% of effort will be dedicated to molecular library construction and screening activities.
- 20% of effort will be dedicated to the maintenance of instruments needed for molecular screening.
- The remaining ~20% of effort will be dedicated to protein production and biophysical characterization of single proteins.
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.
MINIMUM 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.
DESIRED
- 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.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Occasionally lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Occasionally reach and grasp with arms and hands.
- Occasionally stoop and bend.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, or registration.
Application Process:
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.
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.
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.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, or registration.
COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
Employees of the University of Washington are required 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.