Research Scientist/Engineer 1 at University of… · Seattle

Summary: The University of Washington is an institution that offers a unique opportunity to impact lives globally. They are seeking a Research Scientist/Engineer 1 to engage in research and outreach activities focusing on food preservation and AI applications in the food supply chain, facilitating collaboration with various stakeholders and managing research activities. Responsibilities: - Assist in the design, development, and execution of applied research projects as needed - Participating in grant funded research activities, including technical contribution to proposals, progress reports, compliance documentation, and sponsor deliverables with oversight from PI. Assist in developing and supporting infrastructure for pilot-scale testing in food processing - Develop and apply AI tools and technologies to research, including the development of AI-based communication tools such as chatbots and QR code systems - Assist in writing technical reports and scientific manuscripts for publications - Assist faculty in managing grant applications, reporting, and administration to ensure efficient funding utilization - Collaborate Research Scientists to assist in research proposal development, assist with data collection and organization - Organize and schedule research meetings to support research projects. Contribute to the research team meeting relating to experimental design and data collection - Independently research for best prices, best product for the lab needs benchmarking, and technology scouting, and present to PI. Develop research protocol and best practices for the lab and provide it to PI for review - Acquisition, setup, and management of research equipment and devices - Interact as a service liaison, supporting collaboration with clients and research partners - Facilitate laboratory relocation and setup across institutions - Service as a technical liaison to collaborators, industry partners, and external researchers, supporting collaborative research activities and applied projects - Develop and maintain an active research website and digital materials highlighting the capacities and outcomes of the research program and lab - Participate in food processing-related and applied research - Support food processing pilot-scale infrastructure development - Apply computer programming skills for AI applications in research environments (e.g., Python- or R-based tools) - Develop and maintain websites for outreach activities, including integration of AI chatbots, QR code development, and deployment - Support cross-institutional and industry collaboration - Provide technical support and guidance to graduate students, visiting scholars, and other research users on laboratory equipment and established research procedures - Assist in the development, documentation, and maintenance of laboratory policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety protocols - Coordinate equipment shipping, asset tracking, inventory management, and maintenance schedules - Assisting in the development of research infrastructures and laboratory spaces. Partner with Research Scientists to communicate with external users interested in using - Highlight the lab within the college, research leadership across the US, and work with advancement and/or other Dean’s office departments for showing the lab to potential donors and external clients - Facilitate lab relocation, expansions, and or new lab set-up as needed. This includes layout planning, equipment movement, and commissioning - Provide support to graduate students, visiting scholars, and others - Work with department for resources and align policies - Create and manage lab policies and procedures - Organize group meetings and interact and collaborate across the university - Coordinate equipment shipping, asset tracking, and retrieval as needed - Assist in data collection efforts with the research team - Update the lab’s websites - Other duties as assigned by the supervisor Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in STEM, informatics, or related field - One year of experience in AI applications in food processing related research - Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - ability to interact with laboratory personnel, medical staff (including physicians), and external customers - Demonstrate high organizational skills and have knowledge of laboratory working environments including understanding of MATS - In person 5 days a week from 8:30 to 5:00 - Travel occasionally - Work potentially on the weekends - Experience with facilities and space management across higher education institutions is required, including multi-unit renovations, cross-campus relocations, and institutional transitions between universities. The candidate must have successfully managed complex logistics, vendor coordination, compliance requirements, and stakeholder communications to ensure seamless operational continuity Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in a research lab and facilities maintenance for min 2 years - BS-level training in STEM-related fields - Experience with website - Drupal - Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite, Canva, and computer programming language (e.g., Python, R), and GitHub - Experienced in collecting user data Required Skills: AI applications, Food processing, Research coordination Important Skills: Python, Website development Nice-to-Have Skills: Facilities management, Interpersonal skills, Organizational skills, Communication skills Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/