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The Department of Microbiology is one of the premier biological science departments in the country. The department has a national reputation for high quality teaching and an international reputation for excellence in research. Because of the revolution in biology that began in the 1970s, rapid advances in microbiology and the development of biotechnology have increased our understanding of all living systems. This has in large part been determined by studies of microorganisms. The research programs of the faculty in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Washington reflect exciting areas of modern microbiology. Our faculty span a broad range of interests including microbial ecology, physiology, virology, and microbial pathogenesis in both animal and plant systems. The members of our department are largely concerned with understanding the mechanisms by which organisms interact with one another and with their environment at the cellular and molecular levels. Because of the strong interdisciplinary nature of these interests, numerous collaborative efforts between our faculty and those in other science and medicine departments have developed.
The Department of Microbiology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 1.
The research that this position is engaged in is supporting infectious disease and cancer research studies in non-human primate models of viral infection and cancer. Projects include, but are not limited to, investigating viral loads and immune cell frequencies in infectious disease studies (including HIV, Influenza, ZIKV, Malaria, HBV, SARS-CoV-2) and determining the impact of CAR-T therapy on immune cell frequencies in cancer studies.
RESPONSIBILITIES: •Viral Load assays quantifying viral copies in blood samples, position will be responsible for the entire assay workthrough and will require RNA extraction from plasma samples, cDNA synthesis / set up of RT-qPCR using Quantstudio-3 machine (96-well format), data acqusition, QC, data analysis, and reporting analyzed data to supervisor. •Perform clinical-level assays on primate blood samples, primarily whole blood processing and staining to quantify T-cell subsets (CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, & CCR5 stains) and prepare for data acquisition using traditional flow cytometry equipment. •Managing a liquid nitrogen tissue repository including inventory, organization; shipping category B samples to collaborators; management of research reagent and supplies including stocking of BSL2+ retrovirus labs; maintain electronic laboratory notebook, regularly report experimental results to manager; present results in lab meetings; perform biosafety 2+ practices; •Duties may additionally include: •Tissue culture techniques; preparation of necropsied tissues; tissue processing including isolation of lymphocytes from lymph nodes, jejunum, vagina, rectum, blood, colon, & bronchio-alvelolar lavage using Percoll, Ficoll, and other lymphocyte separation techniques; cryopreservation of cells; support for immunophenotyping & intracellular cytokine staining assays, ELISA; flow cytometric analysis of cell mediated immune responses; Functions as a backup to the post doctorial staff, receive/store shipments from collaborators/vendors; monitor supply inventory and alert purchasing team when low; coordinate broadly with team members to prepare equipment/supplies in support of tissue processing/assays
REQUIREMENTS: •Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field •Three months to one year of experience •Experience with RNA-based procedures and assays. Examples, but not all required: RNA extraction from primary samples, RT-qPCR, cDNA synthesis for RT-qPCR, standard curve preparation for RT-qPCR •Excellent technique utilizing high-throughput sample handling methods (multi-channel micropipettes, repeater pipettes, serological pipettes, 96-well assay plates, high-throughput sampling apparatus for data acquisition, etc.). •General aseptic technique and use of BSC experience required. •Prior experience with organizing and restocking laboratories; routinely checking research reagent and supply stocks to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies; routine inspection & maintenance of laboratory equipment; assisting with organization and maintenance of lab space including organizing newly purchased laboratory supplies; setting up & cleaning up after experiments; autoclaving, aliquoting of reagents; demonstrated ability to work as part of a team. Excellent working knowledge with data analysis, inventory and presentation software including MS Excel, PowerPoint, demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE •Experience and knowledge in BSL2-3 practices •Experience with specimen preparation from human/mice/non-human primates •Experience with cryopreservation of nonhuman primates specimens •Experience with freezer cataloguing and organization (-80 and liquid nitrogen) •Operation of flow cytometry machines (ex. BD Symphony, BD LSR II, BD FacsCalibur, BD FACS Canto II, Cytek Aurora, etc) •Prior experience with analysis of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in nonhuman primate specimens •Experience with data analysis software including Flow-Jo and Prism •Ability to make independent judgments that will promote efficiency and add value to research •Strong organizational skills including ability to work efficiently with competing priorities and deadlines
Application Process: The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest public institutions in the west coast and one of the preeminent research universities in the world. The University of Washington is a multi-campus university comprised of three different campuses: Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell. The Seattle campus is made up of sixteen schools and colleges that serve students ranging from an undergraduate level to a doctoral level. The university is home to world-class libraries, arts, music, drama, and sports, as well as the highest quality medical care in Washington State and a world-class academic medical center. The teaching and research of the University’s many professional schools provide undergraduate and graduate students the education necessary toward achieving an excellence that will serve the state, the region, and the nation. As part of a large and diverse community, the University of Washington serves more students than any other institution in the Northwest.
