RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 4

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty. The OBGYN is looking to fill a Research Scientist/Engineer 4 position engaged in Stem Cell Genomics. This position supports research focused on stem cell engineering and genomics research through the discovery of environmental factors which affect embryonic development DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Research Scientist 4 is a fully independent, professional researcher position responsible for leading complex scientific studies and advancing research in single-cell spatial transcriptomics/proteomics, specifically in assays involving human intestinal organoids and immune cells. Under general guidance, the Research Scientist 4 will be responsible for experimental design, execution, data analysis, scientific communication, team leadership, and contribution to future grant development. The role requires expertise in project planning, innovative problem-solving, and effective collaboration with interdisciplinary research teams. Experimental design, execution, and data analysis (70% FTE) Single-Cell Spatial Transcriptomics/Proteomics Research: Lead the experimental design, execution, and data analysis for research projects involving single-cell spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, specifically using human intestinal organoids and immune cell assays. Project-Specific Responsibilities: o Maintenance and Genetic Editing of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells (hPSCs) [5% FTE]: Perform maintenance of hPSCs and genetic editing, including CRISPRs9-mediated knock-outs and knock-ins, essential for model preparation. o Derivation of hPSC-Based Embryo Model and Single-cell RNA-seq [60% FTE]: Oversee hPSC differentiation into embryo models, testing effects of genetic, chemical, and environmental perturbations with scRNA-seq to analyze spatial and cellular responses. o Immunostaining of hPSC-Based Embryo Models [5% FTE]: Conduct whole-mount immunostaining to reveal spatial tissue organization within the stem cell-derived embryo models. Collaboration and Independent Innovation: o Collaborate with research teams from SeaHub for synthetic biology, as well as with the Jay Shendure and Cole Trapnell labs at UW Genome Sciences, ensuring scientific rigor and technical quality. o Think independently and creatively, critically evaluating scientific designs, methods, and project adequacy to ensure cutting-edge research. Scientific communication and reporting (15% FTE) Written Communication: Prepare scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals and draft annual reports for federal funding agencies, including NIH. Oral Communication: Present research findings at scientific meetings and prepare abstracts for submission, consulting with senior scientists as needed to ensure clarity and impact. Team leadership and mentorship (10% FTE) Project leadership: Serve as team lead on select projects, guiding junior scientists in research methodologies, best practices, and the scientific principles relevant to their work. Draft and develop job descriptions for new positions, chair recruitment and participate in the selection process of new faculty and staff. Mentorship and consulting: Act as a scientific advisor to other UW scientists, including Research Technologists, interns, and rotating students, providing insight into experimental design and execution within specialized research areas. Grant development and experimental design (5% FTE) Grant Contribution: Assist in designing experimental approaches and generating preliminary data to support future grant applications. Scientific Surveying: Conduct bibliographic research to plan prospective projects, contributing innovative ideas and approaches to expand research capabilities and funding opportunities. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Masters degree in Public Health, Health Services Research or related field and four years of stem cell biology, genomics research, and basic statistical methods and techniques, OR Equivalent combination of education/experience. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Knowledge of and ability to apply stem cell biology, including developing research questions, identifying appropriate research methodologies, formulating data collection protocols, overseeing recruitment and retention. Knowledge of and ability to apply genomics research, including ability to conceptualize and design the experiment and analysis. Also includes comprehensive understanding of basic statistical methods and techniques, ability to interpret descriptive statistics and basic multivariate statistics, and basic understanding of advanced statistical methods in order to work effectively with biostatisticians and data analysts. Knowledge of implementation science frameworks and methodologies. Skills in grant writing, including independent development of research questions, aims, and methods pertaining to qualitative methodologies, mixed-methods, and community-based research. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Masters or PhD in Biology, Computational biology, or similar area. Strategic planning, project management, and leadership skills. Ability to conceptualize and write manuscripts and abstracts independently. Excellent supervisory and management skills. Application Process: The application process 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 access 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.