RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER ASSISTANT

Job description

**Job Description**

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 Biochemistry has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant to join their team.**

This position is engaged in the field of spatial omics technology development, specifically focusing on advancing automated manufacturing methods for high-resolution spatial transcriptomics platforms.

The work involves integration of bioengineering, robotics, and microfluidics to improve the efficiency and precision of molecular assays.

**POSITION PURPOSE**
The research project aims to optimize and automate the fabrication of polony gel arrays for use in spatial transcriptomics.

This technology supports the study of tissue architecture at submicron resolution, enabling breakthroughs in understanding molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and kidney disease.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
Automation of Polony Gel Stamping (50%)
Design, fabricate, and test flow cells to streamline gel fabrication.
Develop and optimize robotic control systems for automated gel stamping.
Troubleshoot and refine automation protocols for reliability and scalability.

System Design and Integration (25%)
Collaborate with researchers to design and prototype customized flow cells and robotic components.
Integrate hardware and software solutions for seamless operation of the polony gel stamping system.

Data Analysis and Reporting (15%)
Collect and analyze data from stamping processes to evaluate performance and reproducibility.
Document findings, improvements, and troubleshooting steps to ensure system optimization.

Lab Maintenance and Team Collaboration (10%)
Maintain and calibrate automation equipment and ensure proper lab protocols are followed.
Work closely with team members to adapt automation systems to emerging research needs.

**MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS**
Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering and less than one year of relevant experience, OR 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**
Technical Knowledge:

+ Strong understanding of robotics and automated systems for precision engineering tasks.
+ Basic knowledge of microfluidics and flow cell design.
+ Software and Programming Skills:
+ Proficiency in programming languages used for robotics, such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.
+ Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for designing mechanical components.

Problem-Solving Skills:

+ Ability to troubleshoot and optimize robotic workflows and identify performance bottlenecks.
+ Strong analytical skills for interpreting automation data and optimizing system design.

Collaboration and Communication:

+ Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting processes and collaborating with team members.
+ Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team, integrating input from engineers and biologists.

Attention to Detail:
High precision in designing, testing, and implementing automation systems for reproducibility and reliability.

**DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS**
Advanced Engineering Knowledge:

+ Expertise in engineering design.
+ Experience with 3D printing for prototyping flow cell designs.

Automation and Robotics Expertise:

+ Familiarity with advanced robotics platforms (e.g., OpenTrons, Beckman Coulter, or Tecan automation systems).
+ Knowledge of machine learning techniques for optimizing robotic workflows (desirable but not essential).

Biology and Chemistry Background:

+ Basic understanding of molecular biology or biochemistry, especially for handling gels, buffers, or related materials.

Interdisciplinary Integration:

+ Prior experience in integrating robotics with biological workflows in a research or industrial setting.
+ Knowledge of spatial omics technologies, including spatial transcriptomics or related high-throughput methods.

Professional Skills:
Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and work under deadlines.
Proactive approach to identifying and solving project challenges.

**Compensation, Benefits and Position Details**

**Pay Range Minimum:**

$48,000.00 annual
**Pay Range Maximum:**

$75,000.00 annual
**Other Compensation:**

-
**Benefits:**

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
**Shift:**

First Shift (United States of America)
**Temporary or Regular?**

This is a regular position
**FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):**

100.00%
**Union/Bargaining Unit:**

UAW Research

**About the UW**

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world.

In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

**Our Commitment**

The University of Washington is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://hr.uw.edu/eoaa/) .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment.

Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Required Skill Profession

Other General