Research Technician - Mougous Lab

Primary Work Address: Health Science Building, Seattle, WA, 98195-7370

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We are currently looking for a Research Technician I to support the research of Dr. Joseph Mougous’ laboratory at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. This individual will perform assorted laboratory duties and work collaboratively with a dynamic, interactive, fast-paced team situated in a brand-new open lab space environment. The Mougous lab primarily investigates the mechanisms bacteria employ for interbacterial competition. In this work, they employ a wide array of techniques including bacterial genetics, protein biochemistry, structural biology, fluorescence microscopy, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics. More information about the Mougous lab can be found here: http://faculty.washington.edu/mougous/

The ideal candidate is an organized, detail-oriented, adaptable individual who enjoys improving processes, has a passion for microbiology as well as a genuine interest in working with bacteria, and can manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Support laboratory research as requested by the principal investigator and lab manager.

• Be responsible for basic lab support duties including media preparation, glassware cleaning and sterilization, and biohazard waste disposal.

• Research techniques to be used will include but not be limited to: mutant construction, sub cloning procedures, phenotypic evaluations, biochemical assays, Western blotting, protein purification, and media and chemical solution preparation.

• Perform lab maintenance – preparing stock solutions, maintaining lab equipment, overseeing chemical and biological safety paperwork, organizing and streamlining laboratory operations, and related duties as required.

• Manage collections of scientific materials (i.e., plasmids, strains, etc.) and ship requested reagents.

• Conduct laboratory reagent ordering.

• Process reimbursements for laboratory members and visitors.

Required Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related field is required.

Experience

• A minimum of one year of experience in a molecular biology laboratory setting. Significant undergraduate experience (such as an honors thesis) is acceptable.

• Applicants with more experience are also encouraged to apply. Title and salary will be adjusted according to experience level.

• Experience with standard molecular biological and microbiological techniques.

• Experience working with bacteria would be a plus.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication (verbal and written), record keeping skills, and organizational skills.

• Detail-oriented with highly accurate work product.

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to accommodate shifting priorities.

• Ability to identify areas of improvement within current processes to increase efficiency.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances. 

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer