RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER ASSISTANT-OJO LAB (LIMITED TERM/TEMPORARY)

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.

At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.

The Department of Medicine's Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has an outstanding opportunity open for a Temporary Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant.

Research Field:

New drug discovery for parasitic diseases in the Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy & Infectious Disease

Research Project:

Under direct supervision, this Research Scientist-Assistant will perform laboratory research work in support of studies on drug discovery. The overall goal of the research is to find new drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases. Work will be done in collaboration with the UW Chemistry Department who will supply the novel compounds to test for inhibition of parasitic enzymes.

Additional Background:

Team member of the UW Ojo laboratory located at the South Lake Union campus involved in new drug discovery against neglected diseases, ie malaria and giardiosis, etc. Research compounds are screened for both humans and veterinary implications. Funding is provided by various NIAID grants

Duties & Responsibilities:

-80% Lab Work

• Maintain daily tissue cultures and perform cytotoxicity assays on mammalian cell lines
• Test research compounds for activity against organisms in both in vitro and animal models
• Development and performance of kinetic enzymatic assays. Using proteins produced within the lab to enzymatic test research compounds for effectiveness
• Perform in vitro assays of possible drug compounds

-20% Analysis and Reporting

• Data analysis and preparation of reports (detailed notebook)
• Prepare reagents to perform experiments

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or related field and at least 3 months experience. Experience can substitute for degree requirement.

Other required knowledge:

• Molecular biology techniques such as DNA isolation/manipulation, PCR, sequencing, electrophoresis.
• Good sterile technique and and the ability to perform tissue culture techniques and maintain cultures.
• Willingness and experience working with animal models (mouse).
• Experience in analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry and other biophysical characterization techniques.
• Ability to prepare reagents, manage data and keep a detailed notebook.
• A high level of motivation, good organizational skills and the ability to work as a member of a team.

Desired Qualifications:

Previous work with malaria and animal studies.  Knowledge of LC-MS analysis
Familiarity with database and graphing software.

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.