Research Scientist 2 - Genetics

The Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 2 (NE S UAW RSE) to join their team.

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 Genetics Division is a leader in precision diagnostics, offering DNA-based testing for a diverse array of disorders. As a nationally recognized center, we excel in molecular oncology, rare disease diagnosis, prenatal genetics, and cutting-edge genetic testing methods. Our efforts are dedicated to advancing DNA sequencing technologies, which are crucial for identifying disease-predisposing mutations, including those related to cancer, and for deepening our understanding of cancer biology.

Our division is currently integrating with several other UW diagnostic labs while increasing automation, and, within the next few years, will be moving to a centralized lab in Renton. The Research Scientist 2 will support research projects within our team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lab Operations & Automation

• Develop, adapt, and maintain automated workflows for NGS sample prep and related molecular biology processes.
• Manage sample intake and specimen accessioning of multiple clinical research projects.
• Perform DNA isolation, NGS library prep, and sequencing using automated and manual methods as needed.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation, perform routine maintenance, and coordinate vendor-supported repairs.
• Integrate QC procedures at key stages of the workflow and troubleshoot technical issues to ensure consistent, high-quality results.

Project Management

• Communicate status updates, performance metrics, and results to project leadership and collaborators.
• Maintain organized, compliant lab records for numerous clinical and research projects.
• Serve as a technical contact for ongoing studies to align workflows with project goals and timelines.

Collaboration & Training

• Collaborate with groups of technical staff to ensure automated workflows integrate seamlessly into production.
• Train and mentor laboratory staff in automation protocols, troubleshooting, and best practices.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings, contribute feedback, and support continuous process initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related life sciences field AND
• Two (2) years of genetics or molecular biology laboratory experience

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

Additional Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of direct experience developing or performing NGS assays
• Demonstrated proficiency with automated liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, Revvity, Tecan, or equivalent) for sample processing
• Hands-on experience with equipment lifecycle management, including preventative maintenance, calibration, and documentation
• Ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of programming languages applicable to data analysis or automation (Python, VB, R)
• Strong technical writing skills, including drafting SOPs, validation and verification protocols

Desirable Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of molecular biology concepts and methods
• Experience working in a high-throughput CAP/CLIA-regulated laboratory environment
• Understanding of cancer genetics and clinical molecular diagnostics

Conditions of Employment

• It will be necessary to work in other departmental locations in order to meet patient service requirements, especially at Harborview Medical Center. In addition, less frequent work effort will be required at other UW School of Medicine locations (e.g., South Lake Union) and Seattle-area healthcare institutions.
• Will be considered essential staff and as such will be required to report to work when scheduled despite inclement weather.
• Must be able to meet with all shifts on a regular basis

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum: $61,932.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum: $99,900.00 annual

Other Compensation: -

Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit

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 proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer ( . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at or .

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 ( .

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