University of Washington

Job Description

The Department of Immunology has an outstanding opportunity for a Temporary Research Scientist/Engineer 2 to join their team.

About this Opportunity:

Reporting to Professor, the temporary Research Scientist/Engineer 2 will work in the Oberst Lab within the Department of Immunology. The Oberst Lab studies programmed cell death and inflammation in models of viral encephalitis, autoimmunity, allergy and cancer. Patients afflicted with viral encephalitis report memory loss, brain fog and motor impairments that may last years after the virus is cleared; these patients are also at increased lifetime risk for neurodegeneration and dementia. It is not clear how viral infection changes the brain to cause these long-term sequelae. We have created systems to mark and analyze cells responding to viral infection, and to assess their function long after the virus has been eliminated from the brain. This position will support research work using West Nile virus in murine models of encephalitis to better understand these phenomena.

This position will conduct experiments related to specific funded projects focused on viral encephalitis. This position is expected to perform tasks/projects within the research scope of the lab under limited supervision. This position will evaluate, select, and apply standard techniques while also developing extensions to these standard methods. This position will contribute data for use in reports, publications and grant applications, and is expected to participate in regular laboratory meetings and to continue to build their peer network. The successful candidate will translate clear expectations regarding time management and task prioritization into efficient support for the research team. Lastly, this position will monitor and guide the work of junior staff or students to ensure correct and timely completion of assigned tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

Data Generation and Analysis (80%)

• Work with other members of the research team to coordinate and complete complex experiments with multi-day timelines
• Infect, monitor, and harvest tissues from mice infected with West Nile virus or related viruses
• Prepare tissues for analysis via histology, single-cell RNAseq, flow cytometry or spatial transcriptomics
• Generate adeno-associated viral particles (AAVs) containing constructs, for introduction into the murine brain
• Transduce both cultured cells and living tissues with these AAVs and analyze effects
• Study expression changes in cells using Western Blotting
• Carry out basic analysis of transcriptomic data using RStudio
• Design and perform CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis studies on cultured cell lines
• Analyze cell death responses in cultured cells and ex vivo tissues, focusing on RIPK pathways
• Record, analyze and present data using GraphPad/Prism

Laboratory Operations and Scientific Communication (20%)

• Effectively collaborate and build relationships with scientists within and outside the laboratory to advance Oberst lab research initiatives
• Contribute data for use in scientific papers, reviews, abstracts, presentations, and other scientific publications
• Present research findings at Oberst lab and joint lab meetings
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members and students
• Foster a collaborative, welcoming, and productive laboratory environment through teamwork and active engagement in lab meetings and events

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 Biology, Immunology or a related field and two years of relevant experience with immunological and neuroimmunoloigcal techniques, especially use of mouse models of neurological disease and murine tissue harvest, perfusion, fixation and imaging.
• 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:

• Proficiency in basic biology laboratory techniques including tissue culture, molecular cloning, PCR and sterile technique.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with or willingness to learn the basics of laboratory mouse handling and maintenance.
• Experience with mouse dissection, tissue isolation, and histology techniques, particularly with regard to the central nervous system.
• Experience managing transgenic animal lines, including genotyping, setting up crosses, and analyzing resulting animals.
• Experience with basic bioinformatic and/or biostatistical analyses.
• Willingness to work closely with other team members, learn new techniques, and contribute to the success of the research team via active participation in collaborative experiments and group meetings.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$68,736.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$78,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a temporary position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

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.

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