Job Description

The Institute for Protein Design has an outstanding opportunity for Research Scientist/Engineer 2 to join their team.

About this Opportunity

As a member of the IPD Core R&D Labs, you will make important research contributions that accelerate progress in protein design. These teams develop new research methods, collect experimental data, and help interpret results. These activities are performed in collaboration with other scientists at the Institute for Protein Design or its collaborators; they are not available for external contract work.
Peptide Core is seeking a RSE2 to join a Core focused on producing synthetic peptides to continuously support many projects in parallel at the IPD, such as biologic therapeutics, phosphopeptide synthesis and characterization, difunctional fluorescent peptides, and peptide materials. The Peptide Core also characterizes de novo proteins through intact protein mass spectrometry and returns valuable data analysis and quality control in a rapid fashion to the IPD.
The successful candidate would work closely with IPD scientists to design, synthesize, troubleshoot, and analyze complex peptides and functional molecules. We are seeking a scientist with strong skills in critical thinking, troubleshooting, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. A working knowledge of organic chemistry, bioconjugation, and protein biochemistry is required to effectively perform this role.

Key Responsibilities

(60%) Work with other Core R&D Lab members to accomplish research goals focused on peptide design and characterization. Specifically, the duties and responsibilities include:
Produce a wide variety of synthetic peptides and “peptide-like” compounds utilizing solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with standard peptide chemistry techniques and using automated peptide synthesizers.
Design and carry out multi-step syntheses utilizing organic chemistry techniques such as TLC, rotovap, flash chromatography, air-free techniques, and NMR.
Optimize existing standard operating procedures for yield, efficiency, and throughput of peptides.
Explore strategies to improve the throughput and quality of peptide synthesis pipelines.
Document protocols run in the wet lab
Review, analyze, and troubleshoot all experimental results

(10%) Establishing and nurturing productive relationships with research colleagues, students, administrators, and others at IPD, including:
Training IPD researchers on Core-specific workflow for peptide synthesis and purification.
Work directly with Principal Investigators, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and laboratory staff in assisting with and conducting experiments.

(15%) Perform routine data analysis of de novo proteins utilizing intact protein mass spectrometry
Maintain and troubleshoot LC/MS instrumentation (Agilent)
Develop and implement new methods as called for optimization of intact protein mixtures, antibodies
Process and deconvolute results via software such as Agilent BioConfirm and PMI-Byos
Work directly with researchers–postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and laboratory staff–in communication of troubleshooting and results

(5%) Maintain databases and inventories. This includes:
Preparation and maintenance of standard laboratory stocks and reagents necessary to research workflow
Maintain inventory for all chemicals, supplies, reagents, and biological samples
Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, including prep-scale HPLCs (Agilent), peptide synthesizers (CEM, Gyros), flash chromatography system (Biotage), and lyophilizers (Labcon)
Work with Laboratory Manager to assist with laboratory-wide EH&S compliance

(5%) Assist with managing undergraduate research assistants.

(5%) Present scientific data, attend meetings and team building events.

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 Requirements

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry or related field and 2 years of relevant experience in modern peptide synthesis techniques, purification and analysis .

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:

Strong communication and organization skills and great attention to detail
A willingness to acquire new skills and learn on the job.

Proficient in modern peptide synthesis techniques, purification and analysis

Desire:

At least three years of full-time laboratory experience
Proficient with peptide chemistry and/or synthetic chemistry and/or medicinal chemistry
Experience with lab instrument use and upkeep of: peptide synthesizers (CEM, Gyros), lyophilizers (SP, Labcon), rotovaps (Buchi), LC/MS (Agilent), HPLCs (Agilent)

Field of Research:

Located at the University of Washington in Seattle, the Institute for Protein Design is a unique interdisciplinary environment where world-class researchers create new biomolecules. Our mission is to create proteins that solve modern challenges in medicine, technology, and sustainability. Joining our team means becoming part of one of the largest and most innovative public universities in the world. Your work here will support scientific inquiry and help ensure that laboratory breakthroughs lead to positive impact.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$69,600.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$96,000.00 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 .