Research Scientist/Engineer 4

Job Description

Overview

Our lab uses tools from molecular biology, immunology, and bioinformatics to understand the interplay between pathogens, the mucosa, and pharmacological interventions. The mission of the lab is to improve the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV.

The RSE4 position will work on three projects in support of studies: (1) dissecting the molecular pathways in the human gastrointestinal tract and blood that lead to HIV reservoir persistence and/or HIV reactivation; (2) understanding the role of specific genes (i.e. CD101 and AXL) in the onset of reproductive mucosa inflammation and HIV acquisition and (3) investigating the effects of interleukin (IL)-10 and type I interferons on CD8+ T cell responses in people living with HIV.

Responsibilities

(50% FTE) Experimental Design, Laboratory Research, and Data Analysis

Independently plan, execute, and analyze laboratory research projects. Prioritize experiments based on deadlines and biospecimen availability. Identify and resolve technical or quality issues using established and emerging scientific or engineering approaches. Develop new research methods, adapt existing techniques, and extend technologies into novel application areas.

• Single-cell and spatial omics: Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of single-cell (10x Chromium) and spatial transcriptomics (10x Xenium, Nanostring CosMx) experiments in collaboration with the Experimental Histopathology and Genomics Shared Resources at Fred Hutch Cancer Center (FHCC). Work with Dr. Martin Prlic’s lab and Dr. Romel Mackelprang’s group to integrate de-identified clinical data from an ongoing study with spatial biology datasets, applying advanced multidimensional statistical analyses.
• Bulk RNA-seq assays: Direct research studies using RNA-seq on human colon, rectum, and blood samples. Oversee biospecimen handling and processing with FHCC core facilities. Apply state-of-the-art RNA-seq analytical packages and conduct epidemiological and biostatistical analyses.
• Immunology assays: Perform multicolor flow cytometry, RNA/DNAscope, and cultures using human gut organoids and other cells. Collaborate with Dr. Jason Smith’s lab to design, carry out, and interpret gut organoid experiments.
• Gene editing assays: Use sgRNA/CRISPR to genetically engineer primary blood cells, targeting genes such as CD101, IL-10R, and IFNAR. Partner with Dr. Sulggi Lee (UCSF) to process and analyze samples from the UCSF SCOPE/Options cohort.

(20% FTE) Scientific Communication

Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and generate annual reports for federal agencies (e.g., NIH). Present findings at scientific meetings and internal research reviews, proposing next steps to senior scientists (Drs. Gornalusse, Hladik, Prlic, Smith, and others). Engage in seminars, workshops, professional societies, and committees to disseminate research and foster collaborations.

(20% FTE) Team Leadership and Mentorship

Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior staff, guiding experimental design, research methods, and technical skill development. Serve as a team lead and advisor on scientific projects, contributing to project feasibility assessments and goal setting. Facilitate regular research team meetings, provide progress updates, and solicit input for troubleshooting and planning future work.

(10% FTE) Grant Development and Future Research Planning

Contribute to the development of future grant proposals through experimental design and generation of preliminary data. Identify new research questions, propose novel projects, and explore opportunities to extend existing studies. Collaborate on technical proposal preparation and actively seek funding opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Bioengineering, immunology, systems biology or a related field and four years of experience leading multiple major research studies in a lab dedicated to the study of HIV and other STI's
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Additional Requirements

• Excellent theoretical and practical immunology skills, including flow cytometry and immunohistology assays.
• Basic molecular biology skills (nucleic acid isolation, PCR assay design and execution, library preparation for DNA and RNA sequencing).
• Proficiency in analyzing transcriptomics and proteomics data using open source software packages and programming languages, especially R.
• Basic applied statistical knowledge.
• Excellent written (abstracts, articles, reports, grants) and oral (lab meeting, seminar, and scientific meeting presentations) communication skills.
• Experience guiding junior staff in scientific research, principles and methods.
• Experience scoping, planning, and leading multiple or complex scientific projects.

Desired

• Doctoral Degree in Bioengineering, immunology, systems biology
• Experience using open source packages and adapting or developing new algorithms to analyze single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics data.
• Experience applying multidimensional biostatistical/epidemiological analyses to integrate spatial biology results with clinical/demographic datasets.
• Experience drafting IRB protocols and ensuring IRB/HIPAA compliance while conducting clinical research.
• Experience applying for external funding to enhance the current research projects.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum: $89,592.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum: $164,328.00 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%

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.