Research Scientist/Engineer-Senior, Lab Med - Genetics

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer Senior to join their team.

This individual will oversee and coordinate the research development and validation of new genomic based diagnostics testing in the Genetics Division.

Responsible for the technical and development of the research projects and experiments in Genetics, to support research in optimizing of high-complexity molecular assays, and process improvement that will be used for the Genetics Division, including liaising with the Molecular Hematopathology laboratory. This will include coordinating research efforts in laboratory automation of next generation sequencing based assays across the division.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

20% Strategic Planning and Operations :

• Plans, develops, and coordinates research and development of technical workflows and facilities of Genetics Division laboratories.

• Negotiate and review with vendors for reagents and instrumentation needed for expanded next-generation sequencing services across the Genetics Division laboratories.

• Review current Genetic Division technical development plans and assist in planning for annual division research and development technical goals and objectives.

35% Optimization and Lab Improvement:

• Lead automation efforts in the Genetics research laboratories involving liquid handlers.

• Facilitate and lead the research process of streamlining and harmonization of wet bench aspects of next-generation sequencing workflows across Genetics Division laboratories.

• Develop process improvements in workflow of next generation sequencing based tests.

• Review high-complexity quality control data for Genetics Division laboratories

35% Technical Development Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement clinical validations to be used for genetic and genomic test services based on next-generation sequencing and related technologies.

• Oversee the creation of technical development documentation (validation document, procedures) for new and updated Genetics Division tests from research to specification required by regulatory agencies, including CAP, CLIA, FDA, Study Sponsors, and PIs.

• Assist in test interpretation and test reporting from research validated tests.

• Participate, as needed, in teaching of undergraduates, graduate students, residents, and fellows.

• Participate in research and scholarship related to the Genetics Division leadership.

• Other duties as assigned.

10% Client Relations:

• Interact with laboratory clients (physician and other medical providers) related to aspects of technical development.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Masters in Genetics, Molecular Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or other Life Sciences, with at least 8 years or more of Genetics or Molecular Biology experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Experience in molecular biology methods and data analysis.

• Experience with instrumentation associated with next-generation sequencing (NGS) including Illumina sequencing instruments and automated liquid handling instruments used in NGS.

• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational and documentation skills suitable to a clinical laboratory environment.

• Extensive experience with next-generation sequencing methods and data analysis.

• Experience in clinical diagnostics.

• Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with next-generation sequencing and/or cell-free DNA laboratory methods.

• Understanding of the principles of cancer genetics and clinical molecular diagnostics.

• Familiarity with standard bioinformatics tools and databases.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• It will be necessary to work in other departmental locations in order to meet patient service requirements, especially at Harborview Medical Center. In addition, less frequent work effort will be required at other UW School of Medicine locations (e.g., South Lake Union) and Seattle-area healthcare institutions.

• Will be considered essential staff and as such will be required to report to work when scheduled despite inclement weather.

• Must be able to meet with all shifts on a regular basis.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions 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 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.