Research Scientist/Engineer 4 (E S UAW Research)

Job Description

OVERVIEW:

The position is to support, manage, direct and perform multiple research projects related to the neurobiology of the human and non-human primate retina in relation to discovering normal structure and function and how the retina is altered in common degenerative diseases such as macular degeneration and Alzheimer's disease. The position requires extensive doctoral level expertise and experience in vision science, retinal neurobiology and advanced connectomic methods and related data analyses skills including advanced statistics, MATLAB and Python programming skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

50% Independent management, direction and performance of a project to determine the connectome of the non-human primate, specifically the MARMOSET foveal retina.

Major duties and responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

1) composition and submission of grant proposals and progress reports to NIH based on a comprehensive knowledge and experience in the field of retinal neurobiology, connectomics and human vision;

2) Working closely with EM technicians to create raw image data for multiple marmoset connectomes;

3) Working with programmers to provide AI-based automated connectome creation and to build and enhance workspaces for a collaborative community of scientists with the goal of detailed analysis of created connectomes;

4) Defining specific projects and organizing collaborations to achieve the long range goals and specific aims of funded NIH grants.

5) Analysis of connectomic data, direction of collaborators (including senior scientists, AI companies, postdoctoral fellows and students) and composition of manuscripts, creation of detailed figures and submission of manuscripts for publication in scientific journals;

6) Tracking progress on scientific aims and productivity and composing progress reports to NIH;

7) Considering scientific outcomes and if needed independently reorienting grant aims to maximize scientific progress and long term goals.    

40% Management, direction and performance of a project to determine the connectome of the HUMAN foveal retina.

Major duties and responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

1) composition and submission of grant proposals and progress reports to NIH based on a comprehensive knowledge and experience in the field of retinal neurobiology, connectomics and human vision;

2) Working closely with EM technicians to create raw image data for multiple human connectomes;

3) Working with programmers to provide AI-based automated connectome creation and to build and enhance workspaces for a collaborative community of scientists with the goal of detailed analysis of created connectomes;

4) Defining specific projects and organizing collaborations to achieve the long range goals and specific aims of funded NIH grants.

5) Analysis of connectomic data, direction of collaborators and composition of manuscripts, creation of detailed figures and submission of manuscripts for publication in scientific journals;

6) Tracking progress on scientific aims and productivity and composing progress reports to NIH;

7) Considering scientific outcomes and if needed independently reorienting grant aims to maximize scientific progress and long term goals.

10% Independent management and direction of work with an experienced EM technician. Duties would include establishing protocols and the creation of tissue blocks for processing, preliminary analysis during data acquisition, creating timelines and directing evaluating the progress of work.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Master’s degree in Vision Science, Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field and four years of relevant experience in vision science and retinal neurobiology.

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:

• Significant experience in connectomic methods applied to primate retina.
• Significant experience in  retinal neurobiology including the morphology, physiology and visual function of retinal cell types and knowledge of synaptic connectivity of human and non-human primate retina.
• Significant experience in the composition and publication and submisssion of scientific papers including the creation of scientific illlustrations and the statistical analysis of a variety of data related to retinal physiology, retinal synaptic organization and retinal cell structure. Experience with MATLAB and Python programming.
• Experience with the use of tools for connectomics including, CAVE, Neuroglancer and NeuroMaps.
• Experience composing grant applications to the National Eye Institute for future funding. Experience presenting results at scientific meetings.
• Experience working with diverse collaborators from other institutions who have expertise in human vision, retinal disease, biophysical modeling and simulation of retinal circuits, molecular cell profiling and development of non-human primate models for human disease.

DESIRED:

• Significant independent experience in connectomic methods applied to primate retina. Significant independent experience in understanding retinal neurobiology including the morphology, physiology and visual function of retinal cell types and advanced knowledge of synaptic connectivity of human and non-human primate retina.
• Significant independent experience in the composition and publication and submisssion of scientific papers including the creation of scientific illustrations and the statistical analysis of a variety of data related to retinal physiology, retinal synaptic organization and retinal cell structure.
• Significant independent experience composing grant applications to the National Eye Institute for future funding.
• Significant independent skills at presenting results at scientific meetings.
• Significant independent experience working with diverse collaborators from other institutions who have expertise in human vision, retinal disease, biophysical modeling and simulation of retinal circuits, molecular cell profiling and development of non-human primate models for human disease.
• Significant independent skills working with collaborators on software development to facilitate connectomic analysis.
• Finally, independently considering unexpected scientific outcomes and modifying grant aims accordingly to achieve maximum productivity and scientific merit.

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 [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.