Research Scientist

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The UW School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology has an opening for a full-time Research Scientist / Engineer 2. The Department of Radiation Oncology laboratory space is located on the UW-Montlake campus and includes a variety of equipment including specialized devices for the delivery of irradiation. The position will also include support from and time in laboratories located at Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine South Lake Union.

We have two ongoing projects: one to study the effects of ultra-high dose rate radiation on tumor and normal tissues, and the other to study the effects of Flt3L in combination with radiation therapy for the treatment of malignancies. A full-time Research Scientist is needed to provide consistent and ongoing technical / wet laboratory support as well as intellectual input for these projects. The Research Scientist will also aid any other projects that will use the Radiation Oncology Facilities.

The successful candidate will report to the Radiation Biology laboratory manager in the Department of Radiation Oncology. Under their direction the Research Scientist will explore the effects of ultra-high dose radiation (FLASH-RT) on cells in culture, mouse tissues, and xenograft tumor models. The Research Scientist will also explore the effects of Flt3L administration alongside radiation therapy in mouse tissues and rodent tumor models. Assays include immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, DNA damage assays, RNA and DNA analysis, and immune cell functional assays. The Research Scientist will also be responsible for the calibration and operation of the specialized irradiation devices including the image-guided small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) in the department.

This position requires a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual who is eager to engage with a multi-disciplinary team in basic and translational research. We believe this position will serve as superb training in translational science oncology.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lab Support(65%)

Perform experiments according to established protocols, including but not limited to the following

Work with radiation producing machines.

Maintain cell cultures used in research projects, prepare cell culture media, sterilize equipment and media, cryopreserve samples, and properly dispose of biohazard wastes.

Maintain inventory of laboratory mice. Regularly visit animal facilities to check on health of research animals. Establish subcutaneous xenograft and allograft tumors in mice. Harvest mouse tissues for analysis.

Responsible for the calibration and operation of the specialized irradiation devices including the image-guided small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) in the department.

Optimize protocols and troubleshoot experiments as necessary to generate relevant data. Continuously evaluate existing methods with an eye toward improving data quality, reducing costs, and/or improving turn-around-time.

Data Analysis and Organization (25%):

Analyze, organize, and present experimental results at lab meetings and conferences

Generate graphs and figures for contribution to manuscripts for publication as well as grant applications.

Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

Maintain complete, accurate, legible records. Author, review, and revise SOPs.

Monitor assignments and projects to ensure they are completed within specified time frame; accommodate schedule changes to cooperatively accomplish required daily work.

Lab Maintenance (5%):

Prepare and verify reagents; monitor and order supplies

Operate and maintain standard laboratory instruments such as spectrophotometers, centrifuges, coulter counters, incubators, microscopes, and balances.

Perform routine instrument maintenance as well as troubleshooting; serve as point-of-contact with service engineers.

Routine laboratory housekeeping tasks including dishwashing, properly disposing of chemical wastes, computer maintenance and data backup, and other duties as required

Other (5%)

Train new employees and guest technicians in experimental procedures, instrument maintenance, laboratory safety, and general lab procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience, OR Equivalent combination of education/experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be familiar with common laboratory equipment, protocols and safety measures.

Must have previous experience leading a research project or having a considerable intellectual contribution to a shared project.

Experience with sterile, aseptic techniques for cell culture of both primary human cells and immortalized cell lines.

Experience with cell proliferation and cell death assays.

Experience and knowledge of the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures required for working in a research laboratory.

Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Willing to learn new techniques.

Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently.

Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with animal handling is a plus.

Experience with DNA damage assays such as COMET and TUNEL.

Proficiency with immunological techniques including flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, RNA and DNA isolation is a plus.

Must be familiar with common laboratory equipment, protocols and safety measures.

Must have previous experience leading a research project or having a considerable intellectual contribution to a shared project.

Experience with sterile, aseptic techniques for cell culture of both primary human cells and immortalized cell lines.

Experience with cell proliferation and cell death assays.

Experience and knowledge of the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures required for working in a research laboratory.

Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Willing to learn new techniques.

Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently.

Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.

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 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.