Research Scientist/Engr 1

Job Description

UW Department of Biochemistry IPD has an outstanding opportunity for Research Scientist 1 (RS1) to join their team.

About this Opportunity

The Research Scientist 1 (RS1) will join a predominantly wet-lab group founded on the belief that experimentation can not only be used to analyze protein designs, but generate data to improve existing models so designed proteins are better in the first place. 
We create and implement workflows to reduce the protein build and test burden, in order to increase the throughput and speed of generating standardized and high quality functional data on protein designs. Our work sits at the intersection of wet lab techniques, semi-automation hardware, and computation, with a focus on increasing efficiency and capacity. We are increasingly incorporating machine learning models into our design-build-test iterations to predict protein function.
The group is predominantly focused on enzymes, but often touches other modalities such as binding. 
Example projects include:
    •    ML-guided iterative enzyme evolution
    •    Novel recombinase testing and optimization
    •    Molecular biology assay development & execution for high-throughput DNA assembly
Lastly, an important aspect woven into all of this work is that, as part of an academic institution, the IPD strives to develop great scientists in addition to great science.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific platform development and project execution (65%)
- end-to-end implementation of high-throughput workflows to generate protein functional data
- contribution to the development of robust and high-throughput workflows to assay protein function
- execution of standard molecular biology and protein protocols
- writing and troubleshooting of protocols

Data curation and analysis (15%)
- analysis of experimental data in a standardized format
- deposition of data in centralized data repository
- gain insights with data to inform future experiments
- execution of machine learning scripts
- support the continued development of our internal results database

Coordination and communication (10%)
- engagement with IPD colleagues and external partners to discuss project plans and results
- contribute to publications

Training (5%)
- train IPD colleagues on experimental workflows and equipment

Wet lab organization and maintenance (5%)
- work with IPD colleagues to ensure lab is well-organized and that instruments are maintained for proper performance

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 Requirements

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

Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, or related field and one year of relevant Biochemistry experience.

Additional Requirements:

- substantial molecular biology and/or protein biochemistry wet-lab experience
- demonstrated ability for high-quality, reproducible experimental work
- experience with the execution and optimization of higher throughput molecular biology or protein workflows
- experience with automated or semi-automated systems for high-throughput data generation
- eagerness and ability to learn and engage in new topics and scientific domains
- self-motivated and self-directed
- organizational aptitude to work on multiple concurrent projects.

Desire:

- computational biology/programming experience

About the IPD

Located at the University of Washington in Seattle, the Institute for Protein Design (IPD) is a unique interdisciplinary environment where world-class researchers create proteins that solve modern challenges in medicine, technology, and sustainability. Joining our team means becoming part of one of the largest and most innovative public universities in the world.

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.