Req #: 221613 Department: DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS Job Location: Health Sciences Center Posting Date: 05/05/2023 Closing Info: Open Until Filled Salary: $5,455 - $5,800 per month Other Compensation: Shift: First Shift Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.
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 Pediatrics has an outstanding opportunity for Research Scientist/ Engineer 2 – SeqFirst Study.
The UW Department of Pediatrics is dedicated to improving the health of all children and adolescents by educating physician leaders of the future, advancing research, advocating for children and providing the nation's best pediatric clinical care. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff.
The UW Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic Medicine, in collaboration with the new Brotman Baty Institute (BBI) for Precision Medicine and GeneDx, has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist 2 (RS2) to implement and facilitate human genetics research studies. Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator, the RS2 will assist with sample processing, quality control, and long read sequencing for a study called SeqFirst (https://www.seqfirst.org) which aims to increase the accessibility of whole genome sequencing and help families maximize the benefits of precision medicine.
This position requires the ability to work independently and under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and project manager at GeneDx as well as with senior members of the lab and study teams. It requires daily interaction with study and lab staff, physicians, and weekly interaction with the research sponsor. This position requires the ability to manage multiple, and often changing, priorities and timelines, and frequent communication with the project team regarding the status of assigned tasks and any issues that may arise.
About the Bamshad Lab:The lab is focused on understanding how evolutionary processes and demographic history have shaped patterns of genetic variation among humans, and how such variation influences differences in physical features and disease susceptibility among people. Our current work includes developing strategies for identifying genes underlying rare conditions and applying these strategies to discovery at scale as well as translating genomics technologies in order to realize precision care. The Research Scientist 2 will engage directly in a project to increase accessibility of whole genome sequencing and a large multi-site collaboration for discovery of genes underlying rare conditions. Other current projects in the lab include an investigation into genetic modifiers of Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a study aimed at characterizing the functional consequences of mutations that cause Distal Arthrogryposis (DA), and a research project to discover genes underlying isolated birth defects. We are a highly collaborative group committed to fostering diversity in the field of genetic research.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
SeqFirst Study (70%) – Support the aim of producing long read sequencing on study cohort
• Perform extraction of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA from human blood using various kits/procedures, with the aim of optimizing and scaling up procedures.
• Devise techniques to perform accurate serial dilutions for quantification of HMW DNA via spec and Qubit assays
• Assess read length and quality of HMW DNA via Femto pulse assay and select suitable samples for long read sequencing on various platforms including PacBio Revio and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT).
• Perform and optimize long read sequencing on ONT platform
• Confirm candidate variants via Sanger sequencing
• Organize and manage collection of all biological samples for the study in lab database
• Ship/receive samples to/from other study sites
• Devise a report format and generate weekly reports of samples processed/sequenced
• Attend and present progress at weekly meetings with study team and sponsor
Cost Center Projects (20%) – Process samples for various cost center projects including:
• Processing and storage of biological samples including whole blood, blood spots, saliva, urine, etc. under various study protocols
• Responsible for helping to meet delivery timelines for customer data
• Interface with customers and other departmental/hospital staff for project coordination
General Lab (10%) - Support general lab operations by performing tasks such as:
• equipment maintenance,
• supply inventory
• chemical and biological waste disposal
• laboratory organization
• other tasks as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
• A Bachelor’s Degree in molecular biology, genetics, or another health-related field and 2 years of laboratory experience.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired Qualifications:
• Excellent work ethic and self-motivation
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to manage relationships and interact with a wide range of researchers, clinicians, and staff
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software
• Experience working with high molecular weight DNA
• Prior experience performing long read sequencing
Additional Info:
This job is located in the Health Sciences Building on the UW main campus.
This job is onsite (i.e. not eligible for remote or hybrid work schedule)
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.