Scientific Assistant Senior

Washington State University; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Employee tuition waiver

Job summary

Washington State University in Pullman, WA seeks a Scientific Assistant Senior to aid in laboratory research and management of resources within the Brayton lab. The role focuses on genomics, cell biology, diagnostics and vaccine development for Anaplasma species.

The position is full-time, fixed-term with renewal contingent on funding and performance, ending Sept 30, 2027. Requires strong lab experience and independent, collaborative work abilities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and four (4) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience.
• A PhD in a scientific or engineering field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required work experience.
• Five years of professional experience working within a laboratory.
• Ability to work independently, design experiments and analyze results.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Hands on knowledge of Anaplasma species (growth and culture).

Responsibilities

• DNA isolation, cloning and sequencing (including traditional Sanger sequencing and high throughput genomic sequencing), quantitative PCR, RNAseq, assistance with animal work, Gene gun immunization, protein analysis (Expression, purification, Westerns, ELISAs, IPs, Mass Spectrometry analysis) and yeast library construction.
• Additionally routine laboratory maintenance and ordering duties will be required.

Skills

Independence

Teamwork

Anaplasma knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in related field

PhD may substitute for up to 2 years experience

Tools

Sanger sequencing

RNAseq

Mass Spectrometry

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: September 29, 2026 if a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Position Overview

Available Title(s): 1160-NN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant Senior, 1160-YN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant Senior Business Title: Scientific Assistant Senior Employee Type: Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term) Position Details: The Opportunity: As a Scientific Assistant Senior, you will aid in the execution of laboratory research and management of lab resources in the Brayton lab within Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The lab works on genomics, cell biology, diagnostics and vaccine development for Anaplasma spp.

Responsibilities

• DNA isolation, cloning and sequencing (including traditional Sanger sequencing and high throughput genomic sequencing), quantitative PCR, RNAseq, assistance with animal work, Gene gun immunization, protein analysis (Expression, purification, Westerns, ELISAs, IPs, Mass Spectrometry analysis) and yeast library construction. Additionally routine laboratory maintenance and ordering duties will be required.

Additional Information: This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position. Overtime eligibility will be determined based on final salary placement. Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on September 30, 2027. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Salary and Benefits

Monthly Salary: $4,942.10 - $7,569.55 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

• WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and four (4) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience.
• A PhD in a scientific or engineering field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required work experience.
• Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Five years of professional experience working within a laboratory.
• Ability to work independently, design experiments and analyze results.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Hands on knowledge of Anaplasma species (growth and culture).

Preferred Qualifications

• Good knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials, and procedures and the fundamental laboratory methods relating micro- and cell biology.
• Eukaryotic cell culture experience.
• Bioinformatics; ability to learn programs like SNAPgene, CLC Genomics workbench, online tools for DNA and protein analysis.
• Experience performing standardized laboratory tests according to prescribed procedures; calculating and recording test results; maintaining a clean, sterile, and safe laboratory environment, keeping detailed inventory of materials and samples.
• Experience working with animals, cattle experience would be excellent but not required.
• Experience with genetic immunization and analysis.
• Hands on knowledge of Anaplasma species (growth and culture), or related rickettsias.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

Department & Location

About Department/College/Area/ Campus - Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology | College of Veterinary Medicine | Washington State University Area/College: College of Veterinary Medicine Department Name: Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology Location: Pullman, WA

Background Check

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type: Full time Position Term: 12 Month Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU 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 Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail].

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/