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The University of Washington Department of Medicine’s Division of Dermatology has an outstanding opportunity for a Temporary Research Scientist 3. The Research Scientist will work on independent and collaborative projects in the Kawasumi Lab (University of Washington Medicine South Lake Union; kawasumilab.org) primarily on skin cancer biology and skin cancer epigenetics in order to investigate what genomic and epigenomic abnormalities exist in skin cancer and how we can modulate DNA damage responses or epigenetic changes to inhibit skin cancer.

Under the direction of the PI (Dr. Masaoki Kawasumi), the Research Scientist will study UV-induced DNA damage responses and UV-mediated skin diseases (skin cancer and lupus). The goals of these studies are to elucidate molecular mechanisms by which cells sense UV-induced DNA lesions (CPD and 6-4PP) and activate biological processes such as ATR-Chk1 checkpoint signaling, DNA repair, mutagenic translesion synthesis, epigenetic changes and to dissect the molecular mechanisms by which genetic/epigenetic changes occur during cancer evolution, caffeine treatment, and UV-induced DNA damage and lupus development. Our approaches include cell culture, flow cytometry, DNA replication track analysis, Western blot analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), proteomics, next-generation sequencing and analysis, genome and epigenome editing, small-molecule screening, novel and established mouse genetic models, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models.

Critical skills include extensive, direct, hands-on experience with molecular and cellular assays, mouse studies, documenting research data, identifying technical problems and proposing solutions, taking team science approaches, next-generation sequencing data analysis, bioinformatics and statistical analysis, scientific writing, presenting data to various peer groups, aligning expectations and maintaining effective communication (including creating a mentoring compact and Individual Development Plan).

To be successful in this position, the Research Scientist must be highly motivated with a track record of productive research, exemplified by publication(s) and presentations, and willing to discuss with the PI, prioritize tasks, get things done on time and on budget, receive feedback and annual performance review, and work in a highly collaborative, open environment. This position is suited to someone who is eager to attend professional development workshops (including biomedical research integrity program) with a growth mindset and enjoys scientific writing, mastering new skills, multitasking and working in a team environment. The Research Scientist will have demonstrated ability to develop new and maintain existing collaborations with individuals within the research group as well as external collaborators, research coordinators, physicians, and scientists.

The Research Scientist works as an experimenter and as a lab manager and is responsible for managing junior members of the lab and providing technical guidance and troubleshooting, ensuring scientific integrity by providing oversight as well as ensuring that efforts are distributed appropriately. The Research Scientist will develop approaches and protocols as needed, while maintaining quality and cost effectiveness. The Research Scientist will train junior scientists in specific, standardized techniques and instrumentation. This position will be responsible for contributing to the preparation of oral/poster presentations, manuscripts, grant applications (including scholarship/fellowship/student grant applications for trainees), progress reports, IRB protocols, and IACUC protocols. The Research Scientist will apply a wide scientific background to investigate complex questions and contribute to positive relationships with the PI (Dr. Masaoki Kawasumi) and lab members on current and future projects. The Research Scientist is capable of working independently and collaboratively under the direction of the PI. The Research Scientist assists the PI with the day-to-day mentoring and supervision of the lab members as well as management of all lab duties.

Specific duties (under the direction of the PI (Dr. Kawasumi); research projects and skills are mentioned above):

Project Management (70%)

1) Work collaboratively with the PI to identify and establish new areas of research and/or new research projects.
2) Identify reagents and investigational platforms through extensive literature search, applying knowledge of commercially available scientific products, including consumables, plasmids, antibodies, etc., as well as consulting with the PI and collaborators.
3) Transfer new methodologies from published research studies into the laboratory.
4) Establish collaborations for use of shared resources and laboratory equipment as appropriate.
5) Write daily experimental records and protocols meticulously for research integrity and reproducibility and store all data, protocols, and any research-related documents in the Kawasumi Lab both physically and electronically (The original research data should be present in the Kawasumi Lab at the University of Washington).
6) Responsible for all aspects of protocol development and quality control so that results are conclusive, specific, and reproducible.
7) Troubleshoot experiments as needed and be responsible for optimization of protocols and data collection.
8) Create a mentoring compact and Individual Development Plan and discuss these documents with the PI to align expectations and maintain effective communication.
9) Perform wet lab experiments including molecular biology experiments, cell culture, flow cytometry, human specimen acquisition and handling (requiring communications and coordination with patients, physicians, biorepository staff, and other relevant people following our IRB protocol), and mouse studies at (Animal) Biosafety Levels 1 and 2.
10) Perform next-generation sequencing and analyze genomic/epigenomic/transcriptomic data.
11) Analyze data and present results to the PI and lab members.
12) Discuss research design/plans/results/tasks with the PI and lab members on a daily basis.
13) Write manuscripts, meeting abstracts, grant applications, and progress reports, including Figure preparation.
14) Join lab meetings, daily check-ins, Journal Club, and other external meetings related to our research projects and give presentations and provide constructive comments/feedback.

Lab Operations (30%)

15) Teach junior researchers about how to design/perform research, analyze data, and write manuscripts/meeting abstracts/grant applications and give them constructive feedback by reviewing and editing their documents.
16) Address laboratory management issues as a lab manager including biosafety lab inspection, biological use authorization, chemical/biological inventory, and writing IRB/IACUC protocols.
17) Responsible for creating a healthy, safe, violence-free research environment.
18) Responsible for immediately reporting any issues to the PI that damage people and research.
19) Responsible for discussing task priorities and timelines with the PI on a real-time basis to meet the goals of the Kawasumi Lab and associated deadlines.
20) Attend relevant scientific meetings, technical seminars, and professional development workshops and report the contents to the PI and lab members.

Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related field and 4 years of job-related relevant experience.

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

Desired: A PhD scientist (in biomedical sciences) with 1-3 years of postdoctoral experience.

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.