Research Scientist/Engineer

Job Description

The Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 2 to join their team.

About this Opportunity

The University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) is a broad and dynamic department that strives for a consistent level of high achievement in all its activities. The Department offers full diagnostic services in all areas of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, is a top ranked research organization as measured by research awards from the National Institutes of Health and offers an array of specialized educational training programs.

DLMP brings together state-of-the-art technology and highly trained, world-renowned personnel to provide comprehensive diagnostic and personalized service to physicians, community hospitals, independent laboratories, and other health care organizations. Our operations are based at the University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, South Lake Union, Northwest Hospital and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Faculty members also serve at Seattle Children's Hospital, the Veteran’s Administration Puget Sound Healthcare System, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. These collaborative efforts have generated innovative translational studies in the basic mechanisms of disease as they apply to diagnostic laboratory medicine and pathology.

The UW BioRepository and Integrated Neuropathology (BRaIN) Research Laboratory has an outstanding position for a Research Scientist/Engineer 2. This is an excellent opportunity for the scientist to participate in a team whose goal is to support human brain research from initial donation to state-of-the-art cell and molecular tissue research.

This is a full-time day shift position located at the Harborview Medical Center campus. The specific work schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager.

The salary information is provided below.

Key Responsibilities

Lab Operations

• Lead complex procedures associated with research donor brain procurement, dissection, preservation and analysis, and will lead an on-call team for these cases.  
• Monitor and direct junior staff to ensure correct procedures are followed.
• Independently dissect and assess key anatomical structures (> 90) to isolate for histopathologic examination with minimal supervision.
• Prepare, process, and ship specimens/samples accurately under well-defined requirements.
• Provide support for in silico 3D reconstructions of gross brain images and tissue and fluid-based immunoassays.
• Required to use care and maintain instruments; perform preventative maintenance on instruments according to prescribed protocols.
• Perform quality control and quality assurance.
• Prepare stock solutions and media, troubleshoot as needed, and maintain accurate records of laboratory inventory.

Project Management

• Participate in other laboratory projects, which may include tissue clearing and staining for three-dimensional microscopic reconstructions, downstream analytical approaches including solution-phase quantitation and digital image analysis, and human cell culture projects.
• Organize and maintain databases on research projects and navigate the laboratory and pathology computer networks, participate in lab and other meetings, provide regular progress updates, review work lists and prioritize work in conjunction with the PI and interaction with the research team and collaborators.
• Assist with a variety of special projects, and research related duties as assigned in a research environment where innovation and novel analytic applications form the foundation of an integrated model of precision neuropathology.   

Administrative

• Contribute to maintaining updated protocols in the lab and will interface with senior research scientists and the PI, particularly with respect to methods and manuscript preparation.
• Perform research and assist in development of new procedures.

This position has operational access to patient health information and clinical materials including pathology specimens and archival blocks and slides, and for these activities must adhere to the covered entity HIPPA Privacy and CLIA rules and has 'dotted line' reporting to the CLIA certificate holders and applicable clinical laboratory management staff.

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 with coursework in neuroscience, anatomy, biology, other biological sciences or related field and two years of experience as a grossing technician at a surgical pathology laboratory, necropsy lab experience, cadaver lab, forensic background, or experience with biospecimen handling and exposure to blood borne pathogens, with a neuroanatomy background (performing dissections on human or animal models), or procurement experience (such as organ harvesting), or veterinary technician work

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with any or all the following: Autopsy pathology, brain removal techniques, spinal cord or globe procurement, tissue dissection, surgical pathology, biohazardous tissue handling, and neuroanatomy.

About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology

A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care, research and educational programs, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

Please visit our website to learn more about our department.

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. 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$68,736.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$90,000.00 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.