Research Scientist/Engineer 1 (NE S UAW Research)

Summary: The University of Washington is seeking a Research Scientist/Engineer 1 to support laboratory research in sensory neuroscience and thermal physiology of soil-transmitted parasitic nematodes. The role involves maintaining nematode strains, assisting in experimental research, and providing technical support to laboratory staff. Responsibilities: - Maintain parasitic nematode strains (15% FTE) - Collect fecal samples from parasite-infected rodent host animals daily (M-F) - Prepare and maintain fecal/charcoal cultures - Assist in host infection procedures - Laboratory Maintenance/Administration (35% FTE): - Ensures a clean working area and is responsible for biohazardous trash collection, washing and storing washable laboratory items - Maintains a stocked, clean laboratory; helps maintain lab equipment - Provides technical and logistical support to laboratory staff, including undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs - Helps train lab members on safe laboratory practices, including BSL2 biosafety protocols - Maintains accurate and thorough laboratory records and documentation - Experimental Research (50%): - Perform data collection and analysis: may include performing behavioral assays, neural imaging experiments, fluorescence microscopy, and/or transgenesis/mutagenesis procedures on free-living and parasitic nematodes - Perform routine molecular biology laboratory procedures, such as PCR, DNA electrophoresis, and cloning - Helps train lab members on data collection procedures in the lab, may directly mentor undergraduate students - Attend and participate in research group meetings - Provide status reports to the Principal Investigator on status of projects - Involved in collaborative and/or independent research projects Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in a Biological Science or related field and one year of relevant experience in a biomedical research lab - 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 Department - Trained to work with BSL2 level biological materials, including Strongyloides stercoralis - General knowledge of methods in molecular biology and/or general understanding of principles in neuroscience/parasitology Preferred Qualifications: - Strong interpersonal and communications skills - Ability to work independently, multitask, and collaborate well with a diverse group of people - Basic computer skills, including data entry and word processing experience - Up to 1 year of job-related experience, including experience with nematodes Required Skills: BSL2 biosafety protocols, Molecular biology methods, Neuroscience principles, Parasitology principles, PCR, DNA electrophoresis, Cloning, Fluorescence microscopy, Neural imaging, Behavioral assays, Transgenesis, Mutagenesis, Laboratory record keeping, Data collection and analysis Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/