Research Scientist/Engineer 1

Job Description

The Department of Microbiology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 1 to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the professor, the Research Scientist/Engineer 1 purpose is manage to investigate antibiotic resistance in clinical samples of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The candidate will also aid in processing of clinical sputum samples including, culturing, species identification, and genotyping. The candidate will also work on preparing and screening transposon libraries for resistance phenotypes.  The desired candidate will be very meticulous and have impeccable organizational skills, have experience culturing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and making and working with transposon library, and be able to interpret and communicate results in lab meetings. The RSE-1 will use his/her laboratory skills and clinical laboratory experience to work with investigators, technicians, and support personnel in assuring compliance with established laboratory practices, and to assist in drafting and updating Standard Operating Procedures for ongoing and new research protocols. Familiarity with a wide variety of laboratory equipment and techniques will be necessary in order to maximize the function of this shared laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Bench Work (67%):

• Investigate alternative mechanisms which can lead to antibiotic failure including antagonism and heteroresistance. Perform traditional MIC testing including broth microdilution, E-test, and Efficiency of plating assays. Prepare and test transposon libraries for transient resistance.  Use ddPCR to investigate gene copy number.  Isolate and characterize bacteria and prepare DNA from clinical samples. Assist laboratory members with experiments. Prepare laboratory reagents.

Processing of sputum samples (20%):

• Collect, process, and culture bacteria from sputum.  Basic molecular biology, including DNA preparation, qPCR, ddPCR. Inform lab members on proper clinical sample processing based on current medical laboratory science guidelines. 

Other Research Laboratory Duties (13%):

• Restock laboratory supplies. Participate in laboratory meetings and establish ownership of research projects. Perform related duties as assigned.

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 Medical Lab sciences or related field and
• One year of relevant experience in microbiology, bacterial culture, antimicrobial resistance testing, or clinical sample processing.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager

Additional Qualifications

• Experience working with Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates.
• Experience investigating heteroresistance including detecting gene duplication. Including methods for investigating unstable and induced antibiotic resistance.
• Experience creating, verifying, and testing transposon libraries for antibiotic resistance.
• Experience with culturing Pseudomonas aeruginosa from sputum, clinical sample processing, and knowledge of proper medical laboratory science techniques. 
• Experience with identifying and characterizing Psedudomonas aeruginosa including phenotypic analysis, molecular analysis, and MIC testing using a variety of assays. 
• Experience with standard molecular biological techniques including cloning, bacterial conjugation, electroporation, DNA isolation, PCR, qPC

Preferred Qualifications

• One year or more of experience working in microbiology lab.
• ASPC board certification, and/or degree in medical laboratory science.
• Effective communication and record keeping skills.
• Interest in chronic infections and antibiotic resistance.
• Experience with meticulous sample labeling and processing to ensure samples are not lost or mislabeled.
• Experience reading and using scientific literature to develop new protocols in consultation with other researchers in the lab.
• Experience communicating findings to a scientific audience including presentation of posters or other material at conferences.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

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 dso@uw.edu. 

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.