Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant

Job Description

Institute for Protein Design has an outstanding opportunity for Research Scientist/Engr Assistant to join their team

About this Opportunity

As a member of our Core R&D Labs, you will make important research contributions that accelerate progress in protein design. These teams develop new research methods, collect experimental data, and help interpret results. These activities are performed in collaboration with other scientists at the Institute for Protein Design or its collaborators; they are not available for external contract work.

Peptide Core is seeking a RSE Assistant to join a Core focused on producing synthetic peptides to continuously support many projects in parallel at the IPD, such as biologic therapeutics, phosphopeptide synthesis and characterization, difunctional fluorescent peptides, and peptide materials. The Peptide Core also characterizes de novo proteins through intact protein mass spectrometry and returns valuable data analysis and quality control in a rapid fashion to the IPD.

The successful candidate would work closely with IPD scientists to synthesize, troubleshoot, and analyze complex peptides. We are seeking a scientist with strong skills in critical thinking, troubleshooting, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. A working knowledge of organic chemistry is required to effectively perform this role.
 

Key Responsibilities

(80%) Work with other Core R&D Lab members to accomplish research goals, including by establishing and nurturing productive relationships with research colleagues, students, administrators, and others at the UW and beyond. 

• Follow standard operating procedures and working guidelines
• Produce synthetic peptides utilizing solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with standard peptide chemistry techniques
• Document protocols run in the wet lab
• Review, analyze, and troubleshoot all experimental results
• Train IPD researchers on Core-specific workflow
• Work directly with Principal Investigators, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and laboratory staff in assisting with and conducting experiments

(10%) Maintain databases and inventories. 

• Maintain inventory for all chemicals, supplies, reagents, and biological samples
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment
• Coordinate hazardous waste disposal with lab management in compliance with EH&S standards

(5%) Assist with managing undergraduate research assistants.

(5%) Present scientific data, attend meetings and team building events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department
• Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry or other related field and less than one year of relevant experience.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, and/or registrations.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong communication and organization skills and great attention to detail
• A willingness to acquire new skills and learn on the job.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of full-time laboratory experience
• Proficient in modern peptide synthesis, purification and analysis
• Familiarity with peptide chemistry or synthetic chemistry or medicinal chemistry
• Experience with lab instrument use and upkeep of: peptide synthesizers (CEM, Gyros), LC/MS (Agilent), HPLC systems (Agilent).

About the team

Located at the University of Washington in Seattle, the Institute for Protein Design is a unique interdisciplinary environment where world-class researchers create new biomolecules. Our mission is to create proteins that solve modern challenges in medicine, technology, and sustainability. Joining our team means becoming part of one of the largest and most innovative public universities in the world. Your work here will support scientific inquiry and help ensure that laboratory breakthroughs lead to positive impact.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$56,400.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$70,800.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

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.