Research Scientist/Engineer 1

Job Description

Bioengineering has an outstanding opportunity for an RSE 1 to join their team.

About this Opportunity

The research conducted in this role has the potential to significantly transform current treatment strategies by enabling more effective delivery of therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with CNS disorders.

Key Responsibilities

Research Activities (85%)

Conduct human iPSC culture, maintenance, and differentiation, including assays of vascular formation and neural lineage development.

Perform histological processing of spinal cord tissue, including cryosectioning and staining.

Investigate PDGF signaling through pathway analysis, activation studies, and target validation experiments.

Execute flow cytometry assays to evaluate peptide binding, stability, and target engagement.

Acquire and analyze confocal microscopy images, including quantitative digital image analysis of spinal cord samples.

Perform protein and gene expression analyses in both tissue samples and cultured cells.

Synthesize peptides and carry out HPLC purification and biolayer interferometry (BLI) to assess binding kinetics and specificity.

Research Communication & Reporting (10%)

Present research findings at lab meetings, journal clubs, and other internal forums.

Summarize experimental data in written and graphical formats for inclusion in grant proposals and progress reports.

Actively participate in lab meetings by sharing updates, insights, and experimental outcomes.

Prepare concise summaries of results and communicate findings to the Principal Investigator.

Laboratory Operations Support (5%)

Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply needs to the lab manager to ensure continuous workflow.

Adhere to established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain a safe laboratory environment.

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 Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology or Bioengineering or related field and one year of experience in biolayer interferometry and immunoassay development, with hands-on expertise in vertebrate animal handling (including tissue harvest, perfusion, fixation, and IP/ID/IM injections).

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 Pharmacology and Toxicology or Bioengineering

• Experience with cryosection, tissue expansion, and RNAscope.

• Proficiency with confocal microscopy and quantifying blood vessels, gliosis, and TDP proteinopathy in the spinal cord.

• Proficiency with Xenogen imaging, bioluminescence quantification, and analysis of immunoassays.

• Experience with human neural stem cells and/or hiPSC organoid tissue culture, neural cell differentiation, and analysis.

• Experience with Fiji and MetaXpress for image analysis.

• Equivalent combination of education/experience.

• Experienced with sympathetic ganglia and spinal cord dissection.

• Experienced with Liberty Blue SPPS, general lab maintenance, and safety protocols.

• Experience in training and working with undergraduate students.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail.

• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently.

• Strong working knowledge of vascular abnormalities and proteinopathy in ALS.

• Strong analytical, written, and presentation skills.

• Capable of multitasking and managing multiple priorities

About the Team

UW Bioengineering is a vibrant community driving advances in health care. As a joint department in the College of Engineering and School of Medicine, we bring together students, scientists, engineers, and clinicians to develop innovative and cost-effective health care solutions that improve lives. Our inclusive and collaborative culture empowers our students, faculty, and staff to make an impact through new fields of research and clinical products. Our award-winning faculty are national leaders in biomedical education, research, and technology transfer.
 
In UW Bioengineering, we are bound by a belief that public health and human dignity are inseparable. One is impossible without the other. Equity and inclusivity are fundamental to our mission of inventing the future of medicine.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$56,448.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$61,200.00 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 [email protected]. 

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.