Research Engineer 2 - Hardware and Software Design (Temporary)

Job Description

The Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, has an outstanding opportunity for a temporary Research Engineer 2 to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to Dr. Ian Sweet, Research Associate Professor, the Research Engineer 2 is responsible for developing and optimizing in vitro fluidics instrumentation for research aimed at maintaining and assessing real-time tissue function in response to changes in dissolved, trace signaling gases (including O2, H2S, NO and CO).  The methodologies are then applied to investigations of diabetic complications including retinopathy, nephropathy and islet dysfunction.  This project is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Sweet laboratory and the laboratories of James Hurley (Biochemistry), John Kramlich (Dept of Mechanical Engineering) and James Hermanson (Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics).

Research Sponsors/Stakeholders: NIH, Helmsley Foundation, UW Dept of Mechanical Engineering and UW Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Key Responsibilities

Design fluidics hardware and analytical instrumentation (25%):

• Using CAD software, instrumentation will be designed and fabricated with either 3D printing or other forms of fabrication.  Design projects would include incorporating a gas mixing system that would flow into various measurement modalities including spectrophotometric cuvettes, fluorescent imaging systems, perifusion systems and a well-stirred tissue chamber. Each system assesses various metabolic, signaling or hormonal responses while maintaining viabilty and function of the tissue.

Build/test gas control systems, autoinjectors and gas/liquid equilibration system with existing flow and static culture systems and other analytical modalities (25%):

• Materials and components will be purchased, fabricated and/or assembled according to optimized designs and drawings.  Operation of the instruments will be tested and optimized according to criteria that include stability of flow rate, response times of injected test compounds and measurement of O2 concentration.

Develop software for computer-control and automation of fluidics systems (25%):

• Instrumentation will be controlled by User Interface which will port data to Data Processing software.  Devices to be automated will include controlling time dependent autoinjectors, composition of gas from multiple mass flow controllers, and liquid flow control by variable resistance valve. 

Testing and optimization of devices to precisely control dissolved gas composition based on software-driven mass flow controllers with tissue samples (15%):

• Data will be generated to demonstrate maintenance of tissue viability and accurate assessment of tissue function.

Process, graph and report data and document methodologies for papers and grants (10%):

• Data will be generated confirming the accuracy and reliability of the instrumentation.  Methodologies need to be clearly and concisely described.

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

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

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related engineering field and two years of designing hardware and software.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience in instrumentation, electronics, engineering principals and software development.

Preferred Qualifications

• CAD drawing, 3D printing, numerical solutions and data processing.
• Experience working in a research setting.

About The Research

The purpose of the research project(s) this position supports: Role of dissolved gas signals on retinal, islet and tissue function.  Dissolved O2 and dissolved trace gases produced by cells (H2S, NO and CO) act as signals to regulate cellular and mitochondrial function.  Yet despite the scientific and clinical importance of dissolved gases, quantitative methods to measure the real time effects of dissolved gases on intact tissue are not available. Thus, there is a strong need to develop and utilize technology that enables the study of both abundant and trace dissolved gases. The system we have developed achieves unprecedented control of both O2 and trace gases and lays the foundation to investigate new effects of dissolved gases that have been unreliably tested before with donor molecules. Results to date have revealed new mechanisms mediating effects of O2 and H2S that challenge long-established views on mechanisms mediating insulin secretion and O2-sensitive VEGF secretion. The results will impact research on many diseases including stroke, cancer and diabetic complications.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

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Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

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Temporary or Regular?

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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.