Career Center

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 Department of Genome Sciences’ Northwest Genomics Center currently has an outstanding opportunity for a Research & Development Lead, Research Scientist/Engineer 3.

The Department of Genome Sciences is part of the University of Washington School of Medicine and is comprised of 31 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 $56.5M in FY22.

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.

The Northwest Genomics Center (NWGC) at the University of Washington is one of the leading genome centers in the United States. The NWGC, housed in the Department of Genome Sciences, is the largest self-sustaining genome center in the Pacific Northwest and one of the most successful genome centers in the country. It has partnered to deliver next generation sequence data for many highly successful large-scale human genetics projects for both rare conditions and common diseases (e.g., Centers for Mendelian Genomics (CMG), NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program, and the All of Us Research Program.

POSITION PURPOSE
The Research Scientist will conduct laboratory research focusing on the identification of DNA variation in human populations in a high-throughput genomics laboratory in the Department of Genome Sciences.  This position will require expertise in molecular biology and genomics protocols and the ability to perform research and take responsibility for assuring quality, cost effectiveness, and timeliness for large projects.

The Research Scientist will work under the supervision of the Lead Research Scientist to meet project deadlines and complete assigned tasks by implementing well-established protocols and evaluating/developing new protocols. Weekly meetings will be held to discuss project status.

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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Carry out laboratory protocols for next generation DNA and RNA library construction and sequencing. – 60%
      

Perform standard molecular biology protocols and assist in the development of new methods for DNA, RNA, and methylation analysis.
       

Evaluate new products, kits, and instruments to assess their applicability and potential benefit to the NWGC.
       

Research, develop, and implement new pipelines for long-read sequencing including PacBio HiFi and Oxford Nanopore platforms.
       

Develop, evaluate, and write standard operating procedures.
       

Train research staff in new protocols and procedures
       

Work within a laboratory team environment to process and track DNA and RNA samples

Implement quality-assurance protocols. – 30%
       

Work with laboratory information systems (LIMS) to log workflow data.
       

Perform routine assessment of data quality. Assist with trouble-shooting and daily quality control of data.
       

Work across multiple lab groups to define and improve LIMS and data analysis pipelines.
       

Support high-throughput, next generation sequencing production teams through troubleshooting and sample processing when necessary.

Provide technical advice to research staff and external investigators wishing to engage NWGC services. – 5%

Attend Genome Sciences and university meetings, retreats, status updates, orientation, and planning days, when necessary. – 5%
   

Other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Genetics, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field

Three years of experience in a genomics laboratory using standard molecular biology techniques in next generation sequencing.

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

Working knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, and chemistry

Excellent technical wet bench skills

Excellent record keeping and ability to refine and develop protocols

Proven analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent written, verbal, and communication skills

Must be highly organized and detail oriented

Open to receiving direction and to asking for assistance when needed

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Experience working with sequencing technologies, such as Illumina, PacBio and Oxford Nanopore

Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in Genetics, Biology, Biochemistry, or related field

Experience in a high-throughput genomics laboratory specializing in next generation sequencing

Experience with liquid handling systems, specifically, Janus, Zephyr, and Sciclone systems, including program development

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT  

Standard Lab Environment

Application Process:   The application process 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.