University of Washington
Biotechnology
ResearchScientist/Engr1
“Research Scientist/Engr 1 at University of Washington. Skills: Protein engineering, synthetic biology, biochemical tool development, optogenetically controlled RNA/DNA polymerases, programmable nucleic-acid writing, in vitro assay systems, Molecular cloning, Protein production, Biochemical assays, Optogenetic characterization. Design and build plasmids for engineered T7 polymerases, optogenetic domains, protein binders, reporters, and assay controls using PCR, Gibson/Golden Gate assembly, mutage”
What You'll Achieve.
generate sponsor-facing milestones; generate publications
Industry & Context.
H-1B sponsorship eligible
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, chem biol, or related field, one year of relevant experience laboratory research, Molecular cloning: PCR, Gibson/Golden Gate assembly, mutagenesis, bacterial transformation, plasmid preparation, and sequence verification, Protein production: bacterial expression, affinity purification, chromatography/FPLC workflows, and protein QC, Biochemical assays: experience with enzyme assays, transcription assays, fluorescence-based readouts, or related in vitro functional measurements
Nice to Have
Experience with cell-free transcription or nucleic-acid enzyme assays, Experience using modified nucleotides (e. g. , fluorescent, biotinylated, or otherwise chemically functionalized substrates), Experience with optogenetic proteins, light-controlled assays, or photochemistry/fluorescence instrumentation, Sequencing library preparation or sample-prep familiarity for assay readouts, Experience with protein binders, display/selections, or protein-sensor engineering, Basic computational comfort for organizing data, plotting results, and working with standard lab analysis tools, Data quality and documentation: careful experimental record-keeping, sample tracking, and SOP development, Communication and teamwork: ability to summarize results clearly and work closely with the PI and collaborators, research assistantships/internships acceptable, hands-on
What You'll Do.
Design and build plasmids for engineered T7 polymerases
and assay controls using PCR
Gibson/Golden Gate assembly
and sequence verification
Express and purify polymerases
and optogenetic protein components (primarily from bacteria) using affinity chromatography/FPLC and standard QC methods such as SDS-PAGE
concentration assessment
and storage optimization
Develop and run cell-free transcription and polymerase assays
including time-course transcription assays
one- or few-base incorporation assays
and assays using modified nucleotides such as fluorescently labeled or biotinylated bases
Perform light-control experiments
fluorescence/plate-reader assays
and other optical measurements needed to evaluate gating behavior
and retained function of engineered constructs
Prepare samples for sequencing-based readouts
organize construct/sample metadata
and maintain clean experimental records that support downstream analysis and sponsor reporting
and experimental prepare figures/tables for meetings and and coordinate day-to-day bench workflows with the PI
and collaborating groups
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
coordinate day-to-day bench workflows with the PI, trainees, and collaborating groups; work closely with the PI and collaborators
Communication Scope
ability to summarize results clearly
Process & Methodology
Project support, documentation, collaboration, Maintain SOPs, reagent inventories, experimental preparation, coordinate day-to-day bench workflows
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