The Freedman Laboratory (http://www.freedmanlab.com) is seeking a highly qualified Postdoctoral Scholar to initiate projects using organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells to model different forms of human kidney disease (e.g. cystinosis, diabetic nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease) and develop methods to regenerate kidneys in vivo, leading to new therapies in this area of great unmet biomedical need. The scientist will carry out this work under the supervision of Associate Professor Benjamin Freedman, within the Division of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, and Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine. S/he will be co-mentored by a senior faculty member in the Division of Nephrology. This is a 12-month, full-time position with the title of Postdoctoral Scholar. The anticipated start date is February 1, 2021.

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

The successful applicant will have demonstrated a high degree of enthusiasm, professionalism, experimental acumen, organizational skills, teamwork, and a thirst for knowledge and scientific progress. She or he will design and evaluate experiments, actively contribute to the group through innovation and collaboration, present and publish research findings, and participate in Departmental and extramural scholarly activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of creativity and scientific excellence as evidenced by publication record in peer-reviewed journals, a high level of motivation and scientific curiosity along with excellent communication, collaboration, and technical skills. This is a dynamic research environment at the cutting edge of modern medicine and life sciences, with ample opportunities to grow, connect, and learn.  Applicants for this position will be encouraged to apply for various funding opportunities

Experimental duties include:

Bioengineering – differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into human kidney organoids

Microfluidics – incorporation of organoids and cells into microphysiological devices

Microscopy – high throughput and confocal live imaging or immunofluorescence

Genome editing – guide RNA construction, transfection, screening

Therapeutics testing – safety and efficacy determination for candidate drugs

Biophysics – mechanistic single-molecule analysis

Lab duties include:

Data generation and experimental design/execution (daily)

Documentation of work performed and results obtained (daily)

Assisting in the training of junior scientists

Contributing to laboratory organization and maintenance

Presentations of data in lab meetings and external meetings

Preparation of written scholarly reports/publications

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. relevant to biological science or equivalent degree. Experience with human pluripotent stem cells, genome editing, microfluidics/vascularization, high-throughput screening, bioinformatics, or single-molecule biophysics is a plus.

To apply, please submit a copy of your CV and cover letter via interfolio.

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

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University's Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member's academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information

Under Washington State Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14.1, University of Washington (UW) workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.