Research Scientist/Engineer 3

Job Description

The department of Microbiology has an outstanding opportunity for Research Scientist/Engineer 3 to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Professor, this Research Scientist/Engineer 3 will execute laboratory projects directly and provide experimental support for projects investigating the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in several different Gram-negative bacterial pathogens for the Principal Investigator (PI), postdoctoral fellows, and collaborators. This lab is involved in several different projects in parallel, and the techniques used will include DNA sequencing, mutant generation and characterization, and bacterial mutant phenotyping.

This position will work in a prominent laboratory whose work impacts other researchers worldwide. High functionality will be reflected in even greater funding opportunities and enhancement of the reputation of the University as a biomedical research powerhouse.

The Research Scientist/Engineer 3 role is a self-sufficient position that seeks guidance from senior level scientists as needed. This Research Scientist Engineer brings significant knowledge and expertise in working with Pseudomonas aeruginosa using genetic and genomic approaches, as well as in studying antibiotic resistance phenotypes. They will work to develop and implement investigative procedures to accomplish research goals. This position will review related scientific literature and recommend ideas and direction for experiments aimed at furthering a specific research project or multiple projects. They will independently perform scientific investigative procedures, analyze and interpret experimental results and assist in determining the relevance to various projects. They will prepare reports, charts, and graphs directed at communicating results during scientific meetings or in preparing manuscripts for publication. The Research Scientist/Engineer 3 will actively contribute to the research results of the laboratory. The person in this role reports directly to the Principal Investigator.

Key Responsibilities

Genetics research activities (40%):

• Conduct independent research to develop genetic methodologies and identify genotype–phenotype associations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and other bacteria.
• Perform large-scale sequencing of saturation-level transposon mutagenesis to identify essential genes and conduct genetic selections to investigate bacterial adaptation to different growth media and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
• Construct targeted gene deletion mutants in P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii to investigate gene function and bacterial phenotypes.

Analyze, Design and develop research technologies (30%):

• Analyze single-mutant phenotypes using Biolog phenotypic microarrays and develop custom phenotypic microarray technologies for bacterial pathogens, including Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while directing junior scientists.
• Develop novel plasmid vectors and genetically modified A. baumannii strains to facilitate DNA introduction and genetic analysis.
• Design and evaluate innovative experimental approaches and research methodologies, and use software applications to compile, manipulate, format, and statistically analyze data to achieve research objectives.

Research Advisory and Training Responsibilities (20%):

• Advise scientists from other laboratories on selecting assays for Biolog phenotypic analysis as a core service.
• Train laboratory personnel in the use of Omnilog apparatus, the Tn-seq circle method, and targeted deletion mutation techniques in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria.
• Train, supervise, and direct laboratory personnel in proper laboratory techniques, equipment operation, and safety procedures.
• Oversee laboratory operations and assist in evaluating and selecting new equipment and laboratory procedures.

Scientific Writing and Presentations (10%):

• Independently prepare and present written and oral reports of experimental results, including data analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
• Assist in reviewing manuscripts submitted for publication and write, edit, and organize scientific manuscripts for publication.

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 Biology, Biochemistry, Life Science, Genetics, Genomics or related field and four years providing experimental support for projects investigating the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance or relevant experience.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.
  

Additional Qualifications

• Experience and knowledge of the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures required for working in a genome laboratory.
• Experience with transposon mutagenesis of P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii
• Familiar with both Sanger and Illumina sequencing-based methods for characterizing transposon mutants.
• Experience in carrying out antibiotic sensitivity assays with Gram-negative pathogens
• Experience in constructing regulated expression alleles of essential bacterial genes and deletion alleles of nonessential genesFamiliar with manipulating Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii genetically
• Experience with robotic methods for picking, arraying and re-arraying bacterial colonies using a QPix instrument
• Experienced in DNA cloning, PCR and other molecular biological techniques. Approved for work with pathogenic organisms under BSL2 containment conditions
• Experience working with Omnilog Phenotypic Microarray technology
• Must have basic computational skills to store, analyze, and present data using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Exact attention to procedural detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating initiative and self-motivation.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and apply new techniques and methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills and strong organizational abilities.
• Meticulous record-keeping and the ability to manage large numbers of samples efficiently.
• Experience preparing data for publication, inventorying laboratory supplies, and ordering materials as needed.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$90,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$93,600.00 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.