Job Description The Department of Microbiology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 1 to join their team. About this Opportunity Reporting to the professor, the Research Scientist/Engineer 1 purpose is manage to investigate antibiotic resistance in clinical samples of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The candidate will also aid in processing of clinical sputum samples including, culturing, species identification, and genotyping. The candidate will also work on preparing and screening transposon libraries for resistance phenotypes. The desired candidate will be very meticulous and have impeccable organizational skills, have experience culturing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and making and working with transposon library, and be able to interpret and communicate results in lab meetings. The RSE-1 will use his/her laboratory skills and clinical laboratory experience to work with investigators, technicians, and support personnel in assuring compliance with established laboratory practices, and to assist in drafting and updating Standard Operating Procedures for ongoing and new research protocols. Familiarity with a wide variety of laboratory equipment and techniques will be necessary in order to maximize the function of this shared laboratory. Key
Responsibilities
Laboratory Bench Work (67%): Investigate alternative mechanisms which can lead to antibiotic failure including antagonism and heteroresistance. Perform traditional MIC testing including broth microdilution, E-test, and Efficiency of plating assays. Prepare and test transposon libraries for transient resistance. Use ddPCR to investigate gene copy number. Isolate and characterize bacteria and prepare DNA from clinical samples. Assist laboratory members with experiments. Prepare laboratory reagents. Processing of sputum samples (20%): Collect, process, and culture bacteria from sputum. Basic molecular biology, including DNA preparation, qPCR, ddPCR. Inform lab members on proper clinical sample processing based on current medical laboratory science guidelines. Other Research Laboratory
Duties
(13%): Restock laboratory supplies. Participate in laboratory meetings and establish ownership of research projects. Perform related duties as assigned. Required
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. Minimum
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or Medical Lab sciences or related field and One year of relevant experience in microbiology, bacterial culture, antimicrobial resistance testing, or clinical sample processing. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager Additional
Qualifications
Experience
working with Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates.
Experience
investigating heteroresistance including detecting gene duplication. Including methods for investigating unstable and induced antibiotic resistance.
Experience
creating, verifying, and testing transposon libraries for antibiotic resistance.
Experience
with culturing Pseudomonas aeruginosa from sputum, clinical sample processing, and knowledge of proper medical laboratory science techniques.
Experience
with identifying and characterizing Psedudomonas aeruginosa including phenotypic analysis, molecular analysis, and MIC testing using a variety of assays.
Experience
with standard molecular biological techniques including cloning, bacterial conjugation, electroporation, DNA isolation, PCR, qPC
Preferred Qualifications
One year or more of experience working in microbiology lab. ASPC board certification, and/or degree in medical laboratory science. Effective communication and record keeping skills. Interest in chronic infections and antibiotic resistance.
Experience
with meticulous sample labeling and processing to ensure samples are not lost or mislabeled.
Experience
reading and using scientific literature to develop new protocols in consultation with other researchers in the lab.
Experience
communicating findings to a scientific audience including presentation of posters or other material at conferences. Compensation,
Benefits
and Position Details
Pay Range
Minimum: $60,000.00 annual
Pay Range
Maximum: $61,200.00 annual Other Compensation: -
Benefits
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/ Shift: First Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00% Union/Bargaining Unit: UAW Research About the UW Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. Our Commitment The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. Use the filters or enter keywords in the search box (such as “custodian,” “nursing” or “manager”) to explore available opportunities. To find temporary opportunities, enter “temporary” in the search box. If you are a current UW employee: You must log into Workday and apply internally through the UW Jobs Hub. Looking for faculty, librarian or academic staff positions? Please visit our Academic Jobs site. Looking for student employment? Learn more on our Student Employment site. There are many perks to working for the University of Washington. Learn more about the benefits that could be available to you as a UW employee. Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified about job opportunities at the UW that interest you; you’ll be one of the first to learn when openings become available. You will be asked to create an account if you do not already have one.