Job Description

The Department of Pharmacology at the Kraemer Lab has an outstanding opportunity for Research Scientist/Engineer 3 to join their team. This Kraemer Lab works to understand the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease associated with ageing. The lab investigates how protein aggregation drives disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and frontotemporal degeneration, with a focus on identifying the genetic drivers of tau- and TDP-43–mediated neurodegeneration. Through this work, the lab seeks to uncover key pathways of neurotoxicity, with the ultimate goal of identifying therapeutic targets and developing strategies to prevent disease progression.

About this Opportunity:

Report to Professor, this Research Scientist/Engineer 3 provides comprehensive research by executing and developing assays to investigate gene and protein interactions with neurodegenerative disease genes, proteins, or whole organism models, evaluating protein function, localization, and interaction using biochemical, immunocytochemical, and/or microbiological assays, utilizing fluorescent microscopy and imaging, and addressing the role of disease-associated mutations in neurodegeneration.

This position will also provide general laboratory support through instruction of standard methods for undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians, maintaining laboratory consumable supply levels, coordinating media production teams and inter-lab collaborations, maintaining equipment and organizing logistics, and assisting with lab management duties as needed. These responsibilities and research activities will focus on advancing the field of neurodegenerative disease research.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory work (60%):

• Perform molecular biology techniques (i.e. PCR, DNA isolation/sequencing, cloning) across multiple organisms (E. coli, C. elegans, S. cerevisiae, and M. musculus).

• Lead protein expression, purification, and post-translational modification efforts.

• Identify and evaluate the roles of genetic factors and novel compounds for regulating in vivo disease associated phenotypes utilizing C. elegans and development of new methodologies.

• Contribute to the design and execution of novel genetic modification techniques in C. elegans models of disease to investigate biological mechanisms, such as implementation of CRISPR, RMCE, and classic irradiation based integration.

• Manage projects of moderate size and test feasibility of experimental goals, lending support to other projects and lab members as needed.

• Modify and improve upon existing procedures for benefit of the team.

• Supervise media production team and maintain laboratory stocks for optimal productivity.

Data analysis and presentation (10%):

• Keep detailed records.

• Analyze and interpret data.

• Perform regular presentations of data to the research group.

• Contribute publication quality results, text, and images for grant submissions and presentations.

• Contribute to research article preparation and drafting for publication.

Administrative (20%):

• Responsible for lab safety implementation and adherence.

• Assist with research report and manuscript writing as needed.

• Maintain compliance and record keeping of safety documents for chemical and biological safety as support for lab management.

• Assist with procurement of lab equipment.

• Maintain laboratory equipment and work with lab operations or maintenance staff to address logistics issues.

Training & Mentoring (10%):

• Training and directing other lab members including RSEs, Postdoctoral Fellows, graduate and undergraduate students.

• Mentor junior staff and work-study students in the development of technical projects and critical thinking.
  

Required Qualifications:

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that 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 in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field and 4 years of laboratory experience. OR

• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field and 10+ years of laboratory experience.

• Experience performing molecular biology techniques in the production of novel expression constructs for E. coli, S. cerevisiae, and C. elegans.

• In vivo experience generating and using C. elegans neurodegenerative disease models, including use of CRISPR, RMCE, and classic integration techniques.

• Experience with management of laboratory operations, including purchasing, maintenance of equipment, chemical inventory and lab safety documentation, and physical organization of laboratory spaces and sample preservation.

• Experience with biochemistry assays including Western Blotting, RNA dot-blotting, RNA isolation, RT-qPCR, RNA-seq sample preparation, radiolabeled pull-down assays, and protein expression and isolation.

• Experience with molecular techniques including PCR, sequencing, whole-genome DNA isolation, whole-genome sequencing preparation, cloning of large constructs, and TOPO cloning.

• Experience performing large scale screening assays, such as genome-wide RNAi assessments, pharmacological impact screens, yeast-2-hybrid protein interaction screens, and preparation of large volumes of active protein for in vitro assays.

• Experience with sterile technique, laboratory safety, and training of lab members in laboratory SOPs.

• Experience with shipping of hazardous materials and international shipping processes.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$80,244.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$85,200.00 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 .