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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 30 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.

Position Purpose

The Research Scientist/Engineer 4, Director, UW PacBio Sequencing Services, will direct a single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing cost center and provide technical expertise to projects investigating the role of genomic structural variation in human disease and primate evolution for the Principal Investigator (PI), postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. This lab is involved in several different projects simultaneously. Techniques used will include DNA sequencing, genomic library preparation, and sequence and assembly.

Position Complexities

The position will entail sequencing and assembly of complex regions of the human genome and investigations into their role in human evolution and disease. The work will involve application of second and third generation sequencing among other cutting-edge genome technologies. The position will direct the long-read sequencing GS PacBio Facility/UW PacBio Sequencing Services. This will include the optimization of genome library protocols, implementation of new chemistries for whole-genome shotgun sequence and assembly and management of external and internal requests for genome sequencing. The primary goal will be to increase throughput and production of the PacBio cost center.

Dimensions and Impact to the University

This position will work in a prominent laboratory whose work impacts other researchers worldwide. High functionality will be reflected in even greater funding opportunities and enhancement of the reputation of the University as a biomedical research powerhouse.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Director, UW PacBio Sequencing Services (50%):

oManage daily operations of the long-read sequencing core facility. Direct the work of other laboratory personnel to ensure smooth flow of samples through the facility from customer interaction through data production and delivery.
oCultivate and maintain customer relationships with researchers at UW and collaborating research institutions worldwide.
oManage and schedule sequencing capacity on the PacBio instruments.
oMonitor daily data quality to quickly identify and rectify deviations and maintain maximal sequencing efficiency. Lead other researchers in troubleshooting failures, devising new approaches as needed.
oOversee cost center budget including requesting project estimates and billing, work with UW administrative staff to adjust cost center rates.
oPrepare samples and create libraries for long-read and next-generation sequencing platforms including Pacific Biosciences, Oxford Nanopore, and Illumina.
oTrain staff to prepare libraries and to run sequencing platforms.
oTest newly released protocols and chemistries and disseminate updates to other laboratory personnel.
oRepresent the facility at conferences and technical meetings with university and external scientists.

Long-Read Sequencing Expert (30%)

oCollaborate with the PI and postdoctoral scholars in the design of experiments and the examination of proposals to determine the projects and methodologies best suited to the research objectives.
oProvide guidance to researchers on data analysis, organization and interpretation, and experimental design.
oUse DNA sequence analysis software applications to assemble, manipulate, format and/or perform statistical analyses of data.
oPrepare and present written and oral reports of experimental results to the PI, other lab members, and collaborators at lab meetings.
oGenerate technical text and figures for inclusion in manuscripts.
oMaintain knowledge of cutting-edge methods and applications for long-read sequencing from academic manuscripts, platform vendors, and collaborators at other institutions.

Lab Manager (20%)

oSupervise lab safety and compliance activities.
oTrain new personnel in lab-specific safety procedures and ensure relevant safety trainings are completed and renewed.
oMonitor lab supplies and assist with appropriate ordering.
oCoordinate interactions between lab members, repair technicians, and facilities personnel.
•Perform related duties as required.

Lead Responsibilities

•Train and direct the work of other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment, and safety procedures.
•Direct the operation of one or more facets of the research laboratory, including the PacBio facility.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

•Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or related Life Sciences field or equivalent combination of education/experience
•Four or more years related experience in molecular biology
•Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies including SMRT sequencing
•Experience and knowledge of the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures required for working in a genome laboratory
•Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
•Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
•Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently
•Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
•Willing to learn new techniques
•Excellent communication skills
•Exact attention to procedural detail
•Meticulous record keeping skills
•Strong organizational abilities
•Must have basic computational skills to store, analyze, and present data using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

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

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

•7+ years related experience in scientific research and/or sequencing production
•Ability to review goals, analyze processes necessary to achieve those goals, and develop techniques and systems required to meet those goals; explores new areas and seeks opportunities to apply new knowledge to work
•Ability to develop novel or innovative sequencing techniques to understand complex regions of the human genome
•Demonstrated abilities in project management and/or process improvement
•Expertise in sequencing technologies such as ABI/Sanger, Illumina, or Oxford Nanopore (ONT)
•Expertise in scaffolding technologies such as Hi-C, BioNano, or Strand-Seq
•Background in genome assembly, sequence analysis or phylogenetics
•DNA & RNA isolation
•Cell line maintenance

Working Conditions

Basic lab environment:
•Occasionally lifts and/or carries objects weighing up to 20 pounds
•Occasionally stoops and bends
•Occasionally reaches and grasps with arms and hands; pipetting is involved
•Work involves possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low-dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances
•Long periods of standing and/or sitting

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.