Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant - Department of Global Health

Job Description

The Department of Global Health has an outstanding opportunity for Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant (Temporary) to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Chlamydia Lab & Neisseria Reference Lab, the Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant is responsible for conducting culture-based surveillance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using standardized laboratory methods. They will also perform molecular detection and characterization of STI pathogens through PCR, sequencing, and automated diagnostic platforms. In addition, the candidate will support laboratory operations, quality assurance efforts, and collaborative activities to ensure accurate, efficient, and high-quality testing.

The successful candidate will be highly responsible, meticulous, and very organized. Candidates should have acquired basic microbiology skills and should be interested in spending much of their time preparing antimicrobial-containing culture media for susceptibility testing and be willing to learn and demonstrate competency in performing  bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Additionally, the candidate should be interested in learning molecular techniques for detection of STI pathogens and resistance determinants. Evidence of outstanding scholarship in microbiology and other science courses as an undergraduate is highly desirable.

The salary information provided below is for a full-time temporary position and will be 100% FTE Opportunity for 9-12 months depending on the length of project.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial resistance surveillance (80%)

• Conduct Neisseria gonorrhoeae culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by agar dilution and Etest following established protocols.

• Perform species confirmatory tests for Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

• Participate in and support quality assessment and continuous laboratory improvement activities.

• Participate in lab meetings and network with coworkers and collaborators.

• General laboratory maintenance including cleaning of glassware, temperature logs/charts of laboratory equipment, preparing reagents and chemical solutions, freezer organization and inventory of isolates, shipment of specimens.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Molecular detection and characterization of STI pathogens (20%)

• Molecular detection of STI pathogens using the fully automated Hologic Panther System.

• Purification of high molecular weight genomic DNA for Next Generation Sequencing.

• PCR and sequencing of PCR products for strain subtyping and characterization of antibiotic resistance determinants

• Participate in diagnostic test validation and optimization of new test methods.

• Data processing and analysis using excel and bioinformatics software.

• Contribute data for use in publications or conference presentations.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or other scientific field, e.g. Molecular Biology or Biochemistry, 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, certification, and/or registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• The sponsor requires that the successful candidate must be willing to train for 3-6 weeks on antimicrobial susceptibility testing; demonstrate proficiency by testing panels of blind isolates (2 times/year) and participate in 6 other proficiency testing events for molecular testing performed in the laboratory; and support ongoing rigorous quality assessment and continuous laboratory improvement activities.

• Have a working knowledge of general lab procedures and protocols.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to proactively communicate with supervisor and collaborators regarding research progress and lab management.

• High degree of organization and meticulousness.

• Ability to take on responsibility.

• Ability to work well with other laboratory staff.

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent molecular biology laboratory skills.

• Depth of expertise in Gram-stain, microscopy, qPCR and nucleic acid amplification testing, cell culture and microscopy.

• Experience in antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Etest and/agar dilution.

• Experience performing APTIMA nucleic acid amplification test.

• Experience with PCR testing methods and sequencing technologies.

• Good laboratory practice (GLP) skills.

• Experience working in a clinical or research environment.

• Bacteriology and molecular biology research experience.

• Research experience with real-time PCR and traditional PCR techniques.

• Professional, flexible, and hardworking with a strong attention to detail and ability to organize and maintain accurate records.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• This position will have critical/essential staff designation and as such will be required to report to work when scheduled despite inclement weather.

• This position requires flexibility in the work hours, including extension into the evening when processing of specimens and research deadlines mandate, and on occasion requires working outside of the standard work week. 

About the Team

The Department of Global Health was established in 2007, bridging the schools of Medicine and Public Health, with a mandate to harness the expertise and interdisciplinary power of all UW schools and colleges. Our mission is to improve health for all through research, education, training, and service; to understand and address the causes of disease and health inequities at multiple levels; and to collaborate with partners to develop and sustain locally-led, quality health systems, programs and policies. Driven by tremendous interest among both students and faculty, the Department has grown explosively to more than 400 graduate students and hundreds more undergraduates. We have more than 380 faculty and 1,000 staff working on projects across 130 countries with our deepest ties in United States, Kenya, Uganda, Peru, Mozambique, India, South Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Nicaragua.

The UW Neisseria Reference Laboratory located at the Ninth and Jefferson Building on the Harborview Campus, has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist Assistant. The individual in this position will provide support for the Neisseria Reference Laboratory collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Washington State Public Health Laboratory, WA DOH, and STD Clinics in US cities, to monitor Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial susceptibility trends in the United States; and to provide quality-assured data to inform CDC’s treatment recommendations for gonorrhea. The individual will also contribute to ongoing research aimed at enhancing diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections, investigating commensal bacteria as potential reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance transferable to Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and investigating the host-pathogen interactions underlying gonococcal infections

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$52,692.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$57,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a temporary position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

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.