Research Scientist/Engineer (Temporary)
Req #: | 171907 |
Department: | Medicine: Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition |
Appointing Department Web Address: | https://endocrinology.uw.edu/ |
Job Location: | South Lake Union |
Job Location Detail: | South Lake Union |
Posting Date: | 09/16/2019 |
Closing Info: | Open Until Filled |
Salary: | Salary is Competitive. Salary is Commensurate Upon Qualifications and Experience. |
Shift: | First Shift |
The overall purpose of the University of Washington Diabetes Research Center (DRC) is to facilitate and enhance the diabetes-related research of Affiliate Investigators at the University and other institutions in the greater Seattle area. The Center is comprised of six biomedical cores which provide services to the DRC Affiliate Investigators.
The Diabetes Research Center (DRC) Cell Function Analysis Core offers technical services carried out for affiliate investigators. The DRC Cell and Functional Analysis Core is a broad-based resource for research involving pancreatic islets and other tissue important to the development of diabetes and its complications. Services include preparing isolated islets and other tissue from rodents, and experimental analysis tissue with respect to their metabolic, functional and morphological state. Flow culture devices combined with sophisticated real time cellular assessment techniques using optical detection have been developed and provide a unique set of investigational tools. Classes of studies carried out have involved control of insulin secretion, beta cell death, mitochondrial metabolism, stimulation secretion coupling, drug development, development of instrumentation, phenotyping genetically altered mice, transplantation studies, and binding studies.
The purpose of our research is to carry out procedures and generate data from a wide array of techniques that support scientific investigation, publications and grant funding applications.
The DRC has an outstanding opportunity open for a Temporary Research Scientist/Engineer.
Major responsibilities and Duties:
Activities center on performing procedures and generating data from a wide array of techniques that support scientific investigation, publications and grant funding applications by researchers focused on diabetes.
This position is in the Cell Function Analysis Core of the Diabetes Research Center, and will involve comparing the function, bioenergetics and intracellular signaling in cells from normal and diabetic models or patients; and isolation of islets and other cells using gradient purification techniques. Major duties and responsibilities are to perform biophysical and biological experiments; harvest tissue from animal models; cell culture; carry out assays; and processing and interpretation of data. In addition, contribute to the development of instrumentation for cell analysis that involves the design, implementation, testing and optimization of optical sensors and microfluidics.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
• Isolation of pancreatic islets and tissue from rodents using microsurgical and gradient purification techniques.
• Culture of islets, tissue and cell lines.
• Assess metabolic and functional viability of tissue/cells using sophisticated, real-time spectroscopic and imaging techniques.
• Perform biochemical assays using fluorometric, spectrophotometric and liquid scintillation techniques.
• Test modifications of research protocols, methodology and laboratory equipment.
• Analyze and report experimental results during laboratory meetings and in writing.
• Keep careful and accurate laboratory records.
• Maintain laboratory equipment.
• Order supplies as needed.
• Compliance with regulation of drugs, radioactivity and animal usage.
Minimum Education requirement: Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum Experience requirement: One year's experience in a related area.
Desired: Ability to test and optimize analytical tools used in our laboratory and modify them for application to a wide variety of tissues and questions being addressed; undergraduate degree in a life science, biochemistry/chemistry or engineering; penchant and aptitude for engineering and design; experience with cell and primary tissue culture and general experience with life sciences laboratory techniques.
Conditions of Employment: Must be willing to work with rodents and be flexible with work schedule during long experiments.
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.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is a leader in environmental stewardship & sustainability, and committed to becoming climate neutral.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 / 206-543-6452 (tty) or dso@uw.edu.