Research Scientist/Engineer 2

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 69,600 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The University of Washington is seeking a Research Scientist/Engineer 2 to support the Institute for Protein Design. This position involves producing synthetic peptides and optimizing research methods while training other researchers. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry or Chemistry and significant experience in peptide synthesis.

Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills, proficiency in laboratory techniques, and the ability to troubleshoot complex instrumentation. Competitive salary range is $69,600 to $96,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in modern peptide synthesis, purification, and analysis.
• Experience with peptide chemistry and/or synthetic or medicinal chemistry.
• At least three years of full‑time laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Produce synthetic peptides and 'peptide‑like' compounds using solid‑phase peptide synthesis.
• Train IPD researchers on Core‑specific workflow for peptide synthesis and purification.
• Maintain and troubleshoot LC/MS instrumentation.

Skills

Peptide synthesis techniques

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Proficiency with LC/MS

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Peptide synthesizers (CEM, Gyros)

LC/MS (Agilent)

HPLCs

Lyophilizers

Rotovaps

Job description

Job Description

The Institute for Protein Design has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 2 to join their team.

About This Opportunity

As a member of the IPD Core R&D Labs, you will make important research contributions that accelerate progress in protein design. These teams develop new research methods, collect experimental data, and help interpret results in collaboration with other scientists at the Institute for Protein Design or its collaborators. The Peptide Core focuses on producing synthetic peptides to support many projects in parallel, including biologic therapeutics, phosphopeptide synthesis, difunctional fluorescent peptides, and peptide materials. It also characterizes de novo proteins through intact protein mass spectrometry and delivers rapid data analysis and quality control to the IPD.

Key Responsibilities

• 80% – Core R&D Lab work:
  • Produce a wide variety of synthetic peptides and “peptide‑like” compounds using solid‑phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with standard peptide chemistry techniques and automated peptide synthesizers.
  • Design and carry out multi‑step syntheses using organic chemistry techniques such as TLC, rotovap, flash chromatography, air‑free techniques, and NMR.
  • Optimize existing SOPs for yield, efficiency, and throughput of peptides.
  • Explore strategies to improve the throughput and quality of peptide synthesis pipelines.
  • Document protocols run in the wet lab.
  • Review, analyze, and troubleshoot experimental results.
• 10% – Relationship building:
  • Train IPD researchers on Core‑specific workflow for peptide synthesis and purification.
  • Assist Principal Investigators, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and laboratory staff with experiments.
• 15% – Routine data analysis of de novo proteins using intact protein mass spectrometry:
  • Maintain and troubleshoot LC/MS instrumentation (Agilent).
  • Develop and implement new methods for optimization of intact protein mixtures and antibodies.
  • Process and deconvolute results via software such as Agilent BioConfirm and PMI‑Byos.
  • Communicate troubleshooting and results to researchers.
• 5% – Maintenance of databases and inventories:
  • Prepare and maintain standard laboratory stocks and reagents necessary for research workflow.
  • Maintain inventory for chemicals, supplies, reagents, and biological samples.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment (prep‑scale HPLCs, peptide synthesizers, flash chromatography system, lyophilizers).
  • Assist with laboratory‑wide EH&S compliance.
• 5% – Assist with managing undergraduate research assistants.
• 5% – Present scientific data, attend meetings, and participate in team‑building events.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field and 2 years of relevant experience in modern peptide synthesis, purification, and analysis.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with great attention to detail.
• Willingness to acquire new skills and learn on the job.
• Proficiency in modern peptide synthesis techniques, purification, and analysis.
• At least three years of full‑time laboratory experience.
• Proficiency with peptide chemistry and/or synthetic or medicinal chemistry.
• Experience with laboratory instruments: peptide synthesizers (CEM, Gyros), lyophilizers, rotovaps, LC/MS (Agilent), HPLCs.

Compensation, Benefits, and Position Details

• Pay Range Minimum: $69,600.00 annual.
• Pay Range Maximum: $96,000.00 annual.
• Shift: First Shift (United States of America).
• Position type: Regular.
• Full‑Time Equivalent: 100.00%.
• Union/Bargaining Unit: UAW Research.
• Benefits: Full details available at https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.