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The Department of Biochemistry - IPD has an outstanding opportunity for Research Scientist/ Engineer 1.

The Institute for Protein Design (IPD) at the University of Washington in Seattle is creating a new world of synthetic proteins to address 21st-century challenges in medicine, energy, and technology. The IPD is a unique interdisciplinary environment where world-class researchers with expertise in computing and software, biochemistry, genome sciences, biological structure, pharmacology, immunology and other basic science disciplines, as well as clinical medicine, work together to both computationally design and experimentally characterize novel biomolecules. Current projects include the design of novel therapeutics for cancer, neurological diseases, and more, as well as new vaccines, nanomaterials, and enzymes. For more detailed information about the Institute for Protein Design please see www.ipd.uw.edu .

RESPONSIBILITIES:

EXPERIMENTAL AND RESEARCH FUNCTIONS (80 %)
• High throughput cloning, expression, purification, and biochemical characterization of hundreds of proteins per week using a newly established workflow.
• Optimize and develop these protocols further (e.g. optimal expression conditions, strain, etc...) in close scientific collaboration with postdoctoral researchers.
• Document protocols run in the wetlab: Review, analyze, and troubleshoot all experimental results
• Train IPD researchers to run this workflow once proficient.
• Work directly with Principal Investigators, postdoctoral fellows, students and laboratory staff in assisting with and conducting experiments.
• Assist IPD staff and researchers with reviewing, analyzing, and troubleshooting of experimental results.

GENERAL LAB FUNCTIONS (20 %)
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, including coordinating with manufacturer field engineers.
• Prepare and maintain standard laboratory stocks and reagents necessary to this workflow (media, buffers, plasmids, cells)
• Maintain inventory for all chemicals, supplies, reagents, and biological samples.
• Work with the Principal Investigator and Laboratory Manager to assist with laboratory-wide EH&S compliance including BSL-1 (and ideally BSL-2) inspections, and BUA approval and documentation.
• The candidate will assist graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and research staff with protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization of designed proteins using established experimental protocols, as well as independently perform benchmarking experiments to further optimize these workflows. The Candidate must be proficient with general molecular biology techniques and familiar with BSL1 requirements. Knowledge of BSL2 techniques and requirements is desired but not required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry or related field + 3 months of more of years of experience in related field.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Previous experience or familiarity with molecular biology, protein expression and purification.

DESIRED:

Previous experience with HPLC or liquid handler robotics.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.