Research Scientist/Engr 1

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington in Seattle invites applications for a research assistant to support engineering and characterization of optogenetically controlled RNA polymerases and related nucleic-acid writing systems. The role focuses on cloning, protein production, and cell-free assays to generate sponsor milestones and publications.

Candidates should hold a Bachelor's in a relevant field and have hands-on lab experience in molecular biology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, chem biol, or related field and one year of relevant experience laboratory research.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
• Molecular cloning: PCR, Gibson/Golden Gate assembly, mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, plasmid preparation, and sequence verification.
• Protein production: bacterial expression, affinity purification, chromatography/FPLC workflows, and protein QC.
• Biochemical assays: experience with enzyme assays, transcription assays, fluorescence-based readouts, or related in vitro functional measurements.
• research assistantships/internships acceptable, strong hands-on

Responsibilities

• Molecular cloning and construct generation – 25%
• Protein expression, purification, and QC – 20%
• In vitro functional assay development and execution – 25%
• Optogenetic characterization and readout integration – 15%
• Sequencing sample preparation and data/QC handoff – 10%
• Project support, documentation, and collaboration – 5%

Skills

Molecular cloning

Protein expression

Biochemical assays

Optogenetics

Sequencing

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, chem biol, or related field

Tools

PCR

Gibson/Golden Gate

Job description

Job Description

Field of research:

Protein engineering, synthetic biology, and biochemical tool development with emphasis on optogenetically controlled RNA/DNA polymerases, programmable nucleic-acid writing, and in vitro assay systems for polymerase activity, specificity, and error control.

Purpose of the research project(s):

To build and execute the experimental pipeline for engineering and characterizing light-responsive RNA polymerase systems. The position will support molecular cloning, protein production, and cell-free functional assays needed to generate sponsor-facing milestones and publications on optogenetic polymerase control, sequence-programmed RNA synthesis, and related protein-sensor technologies.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Molecular cloning and construct generation – 25%
• Protein expression, purification, and QC – 20%
• In vitro functional assay development and execution – 25%
• Optogenetic characterization and readout integration – 15%
• Sequencing sample preparation and data/QC handoff – 10%
• Project support, documentation, and collaboration – 5%

Visa Eligibility

This position is eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, chem biol, or related field and one year of relevant experience laboratory research.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Additional Requirements:

• Molecular cloning: PCR, Gibson/Golden Gate assembly, mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, plasmid preparation, and sequence verification.
• Protein production: bacterial expression, affinity purification, chromatography/FPLC workflows, and protein QC.
• Biochemical assays: experience with enzyme assays, transcription assays, fluorescence-based readouts, or related in vitro functional measurements.
• research assistantships/internships acceptable, strong hands-on

Desire:

• Experience with cell-free transcription or nucleic-acid enzyme assays.
• Experience using modified nucleotides (e.g., fluorescent, biotinylated, or otherwise chemically functionalized substrates).
• Experience with optogenetic proteins, light-controlled assays, or photochemistry/fluorescence instrumentation.
• Sequencing library preparation or sample-prep familiarity for assay readouts.
• Experience with protein binders, display/selections, or protein-sensor engineering.
• Basic computational comfort for organizing data, plotting results, and working with standard lab analysis tools.
• Data quality and documentation: careful experimental record-keeping, sample tracking, and SOP development.
• Communication and teamwork: ability to summarize results clearly and work closely with the PI and collaborators.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$56,448.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$58,008.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

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 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/).

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080).

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.