Postdoctoral Scholar - Laboratory Medicine and Pathology - Murphy Lab

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington Laboratory Medicine and Pathology seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar (1.0 FTE) to lead analytical development for malaria biomarker assays. The role focuses on gametocyte targets, assay validation, and regulatory-facing documentation, contributing to translational malaria diagnostics.

Based in Seattle, WA, the candidate will work within the Murphy Laboratory to advance clinical diagnostic methods and collaboration across multi-site studies.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology or related field.
• Experience with analytical performance studies and validation.
• Ability to design and execute independent experiments.
• Strong data interpretation and problem-solving skills.
• Experience contributing to regulatory documentation and study reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead the analytical development and validation of gametocyte-specific biomarker targets.
• Evaluate analytical and diagnostic performance of candidate biomarkers and assay configurations.
• Design and execute project plans, experiments, and validation studies for assay optimization.
• Develop SOPs and quality systems for biomarker integration into assays.
• Collaborate with internal/external partners and stakeholders on biomarker selection and technology transfer.
• Train and mentor laboratory personnel and collaborators in assay procedures and data interpretation.

Skills

Molecular assay development

PCR/RT-PCR/ddPCR

Data interpretation

Regulatory/documentation

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in molecular biology

Tools

PCR equipment

Job description

University of Washington: Academic Personnel & Faculty: School of Medicine: Laboratory Medicine and Pathology

Location

Seattle, WA

Open Date

Oct 02, 2026

Description

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 University of Washington, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology is a broad and dynamic department that strives for a consistent level of high achievement in all of its activities. The Department offers full diagnostic services in all areas of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, is a top ranked research organization as measured by research awards from the National Institutes of Health and offers an array of specialized educational training programs.

The UW Medicine Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology brings together state-of-the-art technology and highly trained, world renowned personnel to provide comprehensive diagnostic and personalized service to physicians, community hospitals, independent laboratories, and other health care organizations. Our operations are based at the University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, South Lake Union, Northwest Hospital and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Faculty members also serve at Seattle Children's Hospital, the Veteran's Administration Puget Sound Healthcare System, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. These collaborative efforts have generated innovative, translational studies in the basic mechanisms of disease as they apply to diagnostic laboratory medicine and pathology.

The Malaria Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (Dr. Sean Murphy) has an outstanding opportunity for a 1.0 FTE Postdoctoral Scholar. This full-time, 12-month position has immediate availability for an initial one-year appointment. The position will be renewable annually contingent on performance and available funding. The base salary range for this position will be $5,705/per month ($68,460/annually), commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

The postdoctoral scholar will contribute to an exciting research program within the Murphy Laboratory ( MURPHY LAB - UW - Home https://foylab.xyz/ ). Our lab focuses on studying malaria immunology, developing ultrasensitive diagnostics to support malaria clinical trials & field studies, and developing candidate vaccines. The work of the postdoctoral scholar will focus on clinical diagnostic methods, helping to develop a new assay to detect gametocytes from dried blood spot and whole blood samples.

General Duties:

• Lead the analytical development and validation of gametocyte-specific biomarker targets, including generation of data suitable for regulatory and FDA-submission activities.
• Evaluate and compare the analytical and diagnostic performance of candidate biomarkers and assay configurations.
• Develop and execute project work plans, experimental strategies, and validation studies to support assay optimization and implementation.
• Design, refine, and validate laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality systems for integration of selected biomarker into existing assay platforms.
• Conduct testing and analysis of clinical, field-derived, contrived, and reference samples to assess assay performance and robustness.
• Design and perform stability, resilience, reproducibility, and other performance characterization studies to support assay development and deployment.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external laboratory partners, field teams, and other project stakeholders to support biomarker selection, assay evaluation, technology transfer, and multi-site studies.
• Train and mentor laboratory personnel, collaborators, and partner organizations in assay procedures, data interpretation, and quality practices.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental results through technical reports, presentations, publications, and grant-related deliverables.
• Contribute to regulatory documentation, study reports, and other materials supporting assay qualification, validation, and regulatory submissions.
• Identify and implement innovative methodologies, technologies, and approaches to address emerging scientific and programmatic needs.
• Perform other scientific, technical, and project-related duties as assigned in support of program objectives.

The ideal candidate will additionally have experience:

• Demonstrated experience in molecular assay development, optimization, and validation.
• Experience with quantitative nucleic acid detection methods, including PCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, or related technologies.
• Experience designing, executing, and analyzing laboratory experiments independently.
• Strong analytical, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience developing laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of scientific reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
• Experience training, mentoring, or collaborating with laboratory personnel, students, or research partners.
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify scientific opportunities, develop new methodologies, and contribute to evolving research priorities and strategic program needs.

Qualifications

Education requirement, minimum: PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, parasitology, immunology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.

• Experience in molecular assay development, optimization, and validation such as analytical performance studies, assessments of sensitivity, specificity, precision, reproducibility, robustness, and/or limit of detection studies.
• Knowledge of malaria biology.
• Experience designing, executing, and analyzing laboratory experiments independently.
• Strong analytical, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills.

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

Privacy Notice

Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW's Privacy Policy.

Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].