Research Scientist/Engineer Senior

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POSITION PURPOSE
This position is identified to support Dr. Meeske's laboratory at the Department of Microbiology. The Research Scientist Engineer - Senior will support research that is focused on developing a rapid discovery pipeline for inhibitors of gene editing.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is identified to support Dr. Meeske's laboratory at the Department of Microbiology. The Research Scientist Engineer - Senior will apply extensive and diversified knowledge of scientific research principles and practices to support research that is focused on developing a rapid discovery pipeline for inhibitors of gene editing.
Scientific research activities (45%):

The RSE-Sr will develop unique approaches and methods for conducting research and apply highly advanced technologies, products, scientific principles, theories and concepts that will accelerate existing scientific research in the Meeske laboratory into new frontiers which would contribute to the accomplishment and success of the Department and School research mission. The RSE-Sr. position will have a substantial impact that extends knowledge and understanding to develop and optimize new assays for screening large libraries of genetic constructs in bacteria. Experimental techniques to be used will include: Basic molecular biology, including DNA and RNA preparation, cloning, western blotting; Genetic library construction, genetic screening by FACS, and next generation sequencing. The RSE-Sr will be expected to organize and analyze research data, advise laboratory members with experiments, prepare laboratory reagents and perform related duties as required.

Grant and Contract Development and Deliverables (45%):

The RSE-Sr will be critical for achieving the scientific milestones of this project. He/she will manage projects of major strategic value to UW such as a large new federal grant. There are 13 milestones associated with that project, and this position will be involved with each one of them. Continued funding of the project is contingent upon milestone completion. Milestones such as cloning and screening of genAcr libraries, engineering phage to deliver cas genes, onboarding microbial selection platforms to identify novel inhibitors of gene editing require highly specialized expertise in microbiology and molecular biology.

The RSE-Sr will also be responsible for assisting Dr. Meeske in scientific conclusion development, research result presentation and publishing, research grant writing/submission, administrative reporting to the sponsor and other grant and contract related deliverables. He/she is expected to successfully direct the preparation of major proposals and presentations.

The RSE-Sr. is expected to present papers, leads symposia and chair committees associated with major research projects in the lab; publish research based on their work in the lab; network nationally and internationally with colleagues from the field.

Research Staff Oversight (8%):

They will oversee one RSEA who will assist them in these tasks. Directs technical performance of

Research staff in the Meeske lab encouraging innovation and collaborative work. Provides to PI regular perspective and input on staff needs, selection/assessment criteria, and assist with the hiring process for senior research staff.

Other Duties (2%):

The RSE-Sr is also expected to participate in regular laboratory meetings and events; other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Doctoral degree in Biology, Microbiology or related science field

5+ years of experience in the field of Microbiology or Biology in a scientific laboratory

Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select Apply to this position. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your My Jobs page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Extensive experience in high-throughput bacterial library construction and analysis, including functional genomics analyses and NGS-based measurements of barcode abundance. A high-level of molecular biology proficiency - cloning and validating new constructs at scale - is critical.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with FACS sorting of bacterial cells, extensive experience with genetic screens in bacteria.