RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 3

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Seattle, WASHINGTON
Deadline: Open Until Filled

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

The Division of Chemistry in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology is developing novel mass spectrometry (MS)-based assays for the evaluation of solid tissue biopsies. This new position will help guide development of these capabilities for direct use in patient care, as well as in proteomics research. Assays in progress include (but are not limited to) those for: tumor characterization (e.g., by hormone expression), evaluation of tissue protein deposits, investigating renal disease, and detecting infectious markers (e.g., COVID-19).

This position supports projects to: (1) improve existing departmental MS pipelines for evaluating solid tissues (e.g., FFPE biopsies), (2) apply these pipelines toward additional unmet challenges in anatomic and neuropathology, (3) integrate further MS capabilities (e.g., data-independent acquistion) yet to be seen in clinical environments, (4) develop rigorous quality control/assurance programs and (5) characterize tissues for NIH grant funded research. All of these contributions will keep the Clinical Mass Spectrometry Facility at the University of Washington at the leading edge of clinical mass spectrometry. In addition, grant funding will help build a knowledge base that will lead to novel directions of biomarker development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee existing departmental mass spectrometry (MS)-based assays for analyzing solid tissue biopsies, including tracking and maintainance of supplies and reagents required for testing, curation of testing records for clinical and research samples, and assisting employees (e.g., medical laboratory scientists) assigned to work in the Chemistry division on relevant assays [25%].

• Continually learn and participate in instrument maintenance to keep assays running, and work with vendors/service engineers to ensure systems are functioning as designed. [10%]

• Expand departmental capabilities with respect to MS acquisition method types (e.g., data independent acquisition, DIA), instrumentation (e.g., alternative nanoelectrospray source designs), data processing and other aspects. Provide ongoing feedback and updates to Drs. Phipps and Hoofnagle and actively solicit input on overcoming roadblocks and impediments to success. [25%]

• Apply MS-based testing to new diseases and tissue types (e.g., tumor characterization via shotgun proteomics). Tasks include troubleshooting and optimization of sample preparation, chromatography , and mass spectrometry acquistion methods for new and existing methods, if needed [10%]

• Develop and maintain quality control/assurance programs to ensure validity of results and consistency in instrument performance. Tasks include selection of quality control material, establishing protocols for use/reporting, and setting metrics for adequate instrument performance. [10%]

• Plan and implement clinical assay validations. Assist in the acquisition of clinical samples needed for this testing, and compile, summarize, and effectively communicate validation data. [10%]

• Less frequent activities [<=10%]:
- Assist in completion of institutional review board (IRB) documentation as needed
- Assist in completing standard operating procedures for new assays and identify needs for additional protocols, where appropriate. Update protocols when indicated, and document changes.
- Generate conclusions based on experimental data, author text and figures for publication and grant submission, and present research data at lab meeting, joined group meetings, regional conferences, and national conferences, as appropriate including with respect to training, daily oversight, mentoring, scheduling and prioritization of tasks.
- Other duties as assigned.   

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Master’s degree in chemistry, biolophysics and biochemistry plus minimum of 1 year working experience in related field

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

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 Work 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.



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