RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 1, LONG-READ SEQUENCING ONT Req #:205789Department:GENOME SCIENCES Job Location: Seattle Campus Posting Date:04/22/2022 Closing Info:Open Until Filled Salary:Salary is commensurate with education and experience Shift:First Shift Notes:As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here. The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

The Department of Genome Sciences (GS) is part of the University of Washington School of Medicine (UW SOM) and is comprised of 31 labs addressing leading edge questions in biology and medicine by developing and applying genetic, genomic and computational approaches taking advantage of genomic information now available for a host of species. GS is making major contributions in the application of genome science to understand the fundamentals of biology and to improve human health and wellbeing. Genome Sciences is a collaborative department supported by very different academic disciplines. We work with a multitude of Program Investigators (PIs) in departments both on the UW campus as well as worldwide. The department has gone through significant expansion since its beginning in 2001 with annual grant awards of $68.5M in FY21. The department has 62 training, teaching, and research faculty.

The Department of Genome Sciences is committed to creating an environment that is welcoming and inclusive. Our goal is to foster a place of learning and working where all members can thrive and where diversity is recognized and celebrated. At Genome Sciences, we aim to create supportive spaces for those who are marginalized in higher education or society. To achieve this, we recognize that it is our ongoing responsibility to understand, acknowledge, and challenge systems of privilege and disadvantage in higher education such as those based on race, color, creed, caste, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or socioeconomic status.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 1 (RSE1) to work with new long-read DNA and RNA sequencing technology. Projects will include using long-read sequencing technology to investigate the role of genomic structural variation in human disease, performing DNA and RNA sequencing of individuals with unsolved genetic disorders, and collaborating with a diverse group of investigators to design and implement long-read sequencing projects. The position will be actively involved in development of cutting-edge techniques in next-generation and long-read DNA and RNA sequencing, for projects both within the laboratory and with outside collaborators.

POSITION SUMMARY

The RSE1 will actively contribute to ongoing laboratory research projects and work with local and international collaborators to design and implement long-read sequencing projects on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platform. Work collaboratively with other technicians; assist graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with ongoing research projects. Independently perform scientific investigative procedures under limited supervision. Complete assigned tasks on time to achieve tight production deadlines. The successful candidate will have strong multitasking skills and an interest in scientific inquiry on the technical scale in addition to broader thinking.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Perform sequencing projects on Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms (GridION, PromethION). Includes library preparation, sequencer operation, data quality monitoring, and basic data analysis. Full hands-on training provided, if necessary.
•DNA and RNA isolation from various sources including cell culture, tissue, and blood.
•Bacterial and mammalian cell culture.
•Sample tracking and database maintenance.
•Perform routine analysis of data using the command line: assist with troubleshooting and daily quality control of data and assist researchers with data analysis, organization and interpretation, and experimental design.
•Perform related duties as required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

•Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or related Life Sciences field OR equivalent education/experience.
•3 months to one year related experience in a molecular biology, genomics, or biology laboratory.
•Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
•Able to learn new techniques.
•Attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
•DNA & RNA isolation from various sources.
•Basic computing skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or Google Docs and Sheets.
•Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

•Two or more years of laboratory experience in a research or industry setting.
•Experience and knowledge of the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures required for working in a genomics laboratory.
•Knowledge of next-generation sequencing platforms and techniques.
•Experience with bacterial and/or mammalian cell culture.
•PCR & qPCR for genotyping.
•Familiarity with human genomics terms and concepts.
•Some knowledge of sequence analysis, programs, and programming for bioinformatics.
•Experience with UNIX/*NIX command line, BASH shell scripting, and Python.

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.

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.
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.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14.2 requires employees of higher education and healthcare institutions to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination. View the Final candidate guide to COVID-19 vaccination requirement webpage for information about the medical or religious exemption process for final candidates.