Research Scientist/Engineer (Temporary)

Job Description

The UW Department of Pediatrics is dedicated to improving the health of all children and adolescents by educating physician leaders of the future, advancing research, advocating for children and providing the nation's best pediatric clinical care. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff.

The UW Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, has an outstanding opportunity for a temporary Research Scientist 1. The goal of the laboratory is to investigate the factors that contribute to brain health, development, and resilience across the lifespan. This includes the investigation of neuroprotective strategies for the injured neonatal brain, as well as how early life events alter susceptibility to later injuries.

The Research Scientist/Engineer will provide research, data, and administrative support to research studies within the NNL, which is currently involved in multiple basic science studies in animal models of neonatal brain injury. This will include assisting our senior research scientist and lab manager in lab maintenance (cleaning and organizing the laboratory space, ordering and receiving supplies necessary for experiments, preparing and scheduling experiments, and writing laboratory protocols), performing experiments (animal handling, surgical support, behavioral testing, and directly performing in vitro work and biochemical analyses), and data curation, analysis, and manuscript preparation. The Research Assistant will report to the NNL director.

JOB DUTIES

Research

• Basic neuroscience research techniques: nucleic acid isolation, quantitative PCR, western blotting, PCR and Sanger sequencing, and other established techniques
• Surgery assistance and post-surgery care
• Behavioral testing
• Slice culturing (plating and maintaining brain slice cultures)
• Processing experimental samples for biochemical analyses

General Research Support

• Cleaning and organizing the laboratory space
• Ordering and receiving supplies necessary for experiments
• Scheduling and preparing for experimental tasks
• Writing protocols for laboratory responsibilities and data processing methods
• Expertise: stay up to date on research related to their projects by reading the literature and attending selected seminars
• Perform other research duties as required such as: protocol implementation and trouble shooting
• Data presentation: summarize research results in presentations for lab meetings as well as for use in public presentations and publications
• Maintain appropriate research documentation and databases

Sample Handling and Management

• Periodic inventory of existing and past samples
• Ensure laboratory documentation is up-to date for stored samples
• Care of neonatal study animals in the appropriate animal care facility including animal handling, husbandry, drug injections, tissue and blood sampling and processing
• Sample intake and processing: label, track, process neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy in ferrets and rodents
• Statistics and data processing (ie: GraphPad, Excel)
• Operating imaging software for further collection/processing (ie: rview, ImageJ, NDP)
• Academic writing and publishing

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and one year of relevant experience
• OR Equivalent combination of education/experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with neuroscience research
• Knowledge of long read sequencing platforms and techniques
• Interest cellular and molecular neuroscience
• Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated practical experience and proficiency in basic neuroscience procedures
• Ability to communicate experimental results clearly using strong computer skills in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Attention to detail and strong organizational abilities

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum: $24.67 hourly

Pay Range Maximum: $27.00 hourly

Other Compensation: -

Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit

Shift: First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular? This is a temporary position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 0.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit: Not Applicable

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.