Research Scientist/Engineer 1

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The Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/engineer 1 to join their team.

POSITION PURPOSE
The main purpose of this position is to perform analysis of clinical or other biological samples to measure metabolism. The RS will use and operate mass spectrometry equipment and will assist with research in the metabolomics field within the Raftery group and its outside collaborators. This work will focus initially on targeted and quantitative lipidomic and the analysis of signaling lipids or oxylipins. The RS will be involved in data analysis, including data pretreatment and statistical analysis tools that involve programming/coding. The RS will also perform standard procedures and tasks related to the workflow of the Northwest Metabolomics Research Center (NW-MRC). Reporting to Dr. Raftery and working under the direct supervision of Dr. Danijel Djukovic in his lab, the RS will be responsible for data quality control and will contribute to the expansion of metabolomics methods and assays in the lab. Overall the Research Scientist will be responsible for the sample preparation, data acquisition using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) as well as data processing on a range of metabolomics projects. The RS may perform a variety of lab assays, including ELISAs, DNA extraction, PCR, protein counts, and Western Blots. The RS may provide support to Lab Technicians working on mass spectrometry and will collaborate with other lab members to achieve project goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research Activities (90%)
The Research Scientist 1 will assist with metabolomics experiments involving the use of NMR and mass spectrometry, working under limited supervision to perform the following duties involved in sample preparation, NMR and LC-MS data acquisition and data analysis:
Prepare serum, plasma, cell, and tissue samples for LC-MS analysis according to standard operating procedures.
Operate the LC-MS instrument and process the data, including peak integration.
Assist in research method development and assay development by preparing samples and standards, optimizing MS instrument parameters and conditions, modifying and improving procedures, and general problem solving.
Perform data analysis including normalization and statistical analyses using specialized scripts and statistical software
Assist with the design and execution of new approaches for metabolomics sample analysis.
Perform calculations to prepare solutions, calibration curves, and internal standards with accurate concentrations.
Determine total protein concentration using bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA assay).
Organize data, metabolites and pathway groupings, and make calculations in Excel or using R.
Assist with presenting research results in oral or publishable form.

Lab Administration (10%)
Keep thorough laboratory records, maintain inventory and stock of laboratory supplies.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelors degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field
and
One year of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of education/experience.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge and experience with laboratory practices and safety procedures
Knowledge of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
Experience working with metabolomics and lipidomics data and data analysis methods
Ability to improve or further develop an existing LC-MS assay
Experience in writing R scripts (RStudio) and and implementing them using R Shiny
Experience with data and batch normalization methods such as Combat
Experience with basic biochemical lab procedures: ELISAs, DNA extraction, PCR, protein counts, and Western Blots
Ability to work under limited supervision
Strong ability to problem solves and attention to detail
Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally
Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft suite of products, particularly, Word, Excel and Outlook
Professional presentation of materials, self and department in all matters
Ability to work as a member of a research team a variety of personnel, including research collaborators, administrative staff and outside entities

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with other analytical biochemistry research techniques, i.e., DNA sequencing, protein purification
Experience working with laboratory animals
3 years experience working in a health science, biochemistry 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.