Career Center

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 Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington educates tomorrow’s innovators, conducts cutting-edge research in the core and emerging areas of the field, and leads a broad range of multi-disciplinary initiatives that demonstrate the transformative power of computing. Consistently ranked among the top computer science programs in the nation, the Allen School is widely recognized for the excellence and impact of our research and teaching across the region and around the globe. As a leader in efforts to broaden participation in computing, we are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our program and in our field. Members of the Allen School actively work to cultivate a welcoming community in which students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences can thrive. The Allen School occupies two spectacular buildings — the Paul G. Allen Center and the adjacent Bill & Melinda Gates Center — located at the heart of the UW campus in Seattle.

The Allen School is seeking outstanding candidates for the position of Lab Manager (Research Scientist/Engineer 2) in the Molecular Information Systems Lab (MISL).

A partnership between the University of Washington and Microsoft, the MISL brings together faculty, students and research scientists with expertise in computer architecture, programming languages, synthetic biology and biochemistry. The lab explores the intersection of information technology and molecular-level manipulation through in-silico and wet lab experiments, including projects related to DNA-based archival data storage, synthetic biology, molecular circuits, microfluidics animation, and nanopore-based sensing.

The MISL is seeking a collaborative and organized researcher to support research and manage lab operations.  The Lab Manager will primarily serve in a research capacity to help perform experiments with DNA synthesis and sequencing.  This position will also provide day-to-day oversight and coordination of laboratory operations, and provide experimental and operational support for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.  Reporting to the faculty supervisor, the successful candidate must have experience with lab operations, bio-medical techniques, DNA manipulation with PCR, related lab instrumentation skills, strong proficiency with systems and software, excellent organizational skills, ability to exercise discretion and good judgement, and value diversity.  Our staff and faculty provide a collegial work environment that encourages collaboration, as well as individual growth and development, to support the mission of the School.

RESPONSIBILITIES
•Assist researchers in preparing and performing experiments, prepare or supervise preparation of samples for sequencing.
•Plan and oversee NGS sequencing for all MISL experiments, manage sequencer training and scheduling for outside users.
•Analyze data from experiments, including writing code to analyze large data sets.
•Act as a Lead for student and support staff. Make hiring recommendations. Assign duties. Provide training. Assist the faculty supervisors with performance reviews and feedback for the team. Coordinate work schedules and assignments.
•Initiate purchases of equipment and supplies, maintain contact with vendors and search the commercial market to determine availability and cost of equipment/instruments to meet needs of the lab.
•Set up and calibrate laboratory instruments, read and record instrument data, reduce and tabulate data, keep laboratory records.
•Maintain and repair laboratory apparatuses and instruments, and schedule field servicing.
•Order laboratory supplies and stock laboratory areas as required, manage laboratory ordering systems.
•Review relevant literature and contribute data for reports and publications.
•Help organize group meeting agendas and lead discussions.
•Ensure laboratory waste is properly disposed and coordinated with UW Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and Waste Management departments.
•Ensure Lab is kept supplied, clean and organized, with help of lab technicians.
•Keep lab inventories (including fridges, freezers, and reagents) up-to-date and organized.
•Ensure all lab members are properly certified and that the safety manual is up to date.
•Acting as EHS Chemical Hygiene Officer, ensure the lab is compliant with all regulations, coordinate lab surveys, maintain process SOPs, manage online training systems, and update chemical inventories.
•Perform related duties as required.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
•Bachelor’s Degree in Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, or related scientific field.
•At least two years of related experience, including at least one year of experience working in a bio-laboratory.

Additional requirements:
•Experience providing day-to-day oversight and coordination of operations in a wet laboratory.
•Previous experience with DNA manipulation; knowledge of DNA sequencing instruments and analyzing sequencing instrument output data.
•Previous experience with Next Generation Sequencing instruments.
•Previous experience working with basic biomedical lab techniques such as PCR, cloning, sterile technique, and maintaining stocks.
•Significant experience with manipulating DNA with PCR, gel imaging, ligation, etc.
•Strong organizational and communication skills; experience ordering and organizing lab equipment and supplies.
•Demonstrated ability to understand and follow established experimental protocols. Ability to learn new research techniques.
•Ability to collect data in a consistent, reliable and accurate manner.
•Experience writing code in a popular programming language (e.g., Python).
•Experience writing scripts for data analysis.
•Demonstrated ability to work as part of a collaborative team.
•Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
•Demonstrated problem-solving skills, strong detail orientation and ability to adeptly manage multiple deadline dependent priorities.
•Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
•Continuously promote a safe work environment.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum requirements.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
•Physical strength to do required work, which includes lifting and moving up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
•Ability to bend, stoop, and navigate throughout the Lab.
•Availability to work during regularly scheduled daytime hours, such as 8am to 5pm or as arranged, and must have the flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed for special events.
•This position is considered critical for maintaining safe operations. To perform this job, on-site presence will be required up to a majority of the employee’s regularly scheduled work week.

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.