Automation Scientist, Genetics & Solid Tumors

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time and sick time (monthly)

Public transit pass (U-PASS)

Healthcare and retirement plans

Whole U wellness programs

Job summary

UW Medicine – Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology in Seattle, WA, seeks a Research Scientist 2 to advance automated workflows for NGS and DNA-based diagnostics. The role emphasizes lab operations, project coordination, and cross-functional collaboration within a growing diagnostic division.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in life sciences and at least two years of genetics lab experience, with hands-on automation experience and Illumina library prep preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or life sciences fields.
• Two years of genetics or molecular biology laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, adapt, and maintain automated workflows for NGS sample prep and related molecular biology processes.
• Manage sample intake and specimen accessioning of multiple clinical research projects.
• Perform DNA isolation, NGS library prep, and sequencing using automated and manual methods as needed.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation, perform routine maintenance, and coordinate vendor-supported repairs.
• Integrate QC procedures at key stages of the workflow and troubleshoot technical issues to ensure high-quality results.
• Communicate status updates, performance metrics, and results to project leadership.
• Maintain organized, compliant lab records for numerous clinical and research projects.
• Serve as a technical contact for ongoing studies to align workflows with project goals.
• Collaborate with groups of technical staff to ensure automated workflows integrate into production.
• Train and mentor laboratory staff in automation protocols, troubleshooting, and best practices.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings, contribute feedback, and support continuous process initiatives.

Skills

Laboratory automation

NGS library prep

DNA sequencing

Data analysis basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in genetics or molecular biology

Two years of genetics or molecular biology laboratory experience

Tools

Hamilton

Tecan

Illumina platforms

Job description

UW Medicine – Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology in Seattle, WA, seeks a Research Scientist 2 to advance automated workflows for NGS and DNA-based diagnostics. The role emphasizes lab operations, project coordination, and cross-functional collaboration within a growing diagnostic division.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in life sciences and at least two years of genetics lab experience, with hands-on automation experience and Illumina library prep preferred.