Research Scientist/Engineer 2 - Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Job Description

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 2 to join their team.

About this opportunity

Reporting to Dr. Olena Korvatska, the Research Scientist/Engineer 2 is responsible for supporting research on the functional impact of genetic variation in neurodegenerative disease, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease–related genes. The role integrates molecular biology and RNA sequencing–based approaches to advance understanding of gene regulation in human brain tissues and model systems, directly contributing to the University of Washington’s research and educational mission.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific operations (60%):

• Conduct tissue culture, gene reporter assays, and functional validation experiments to evaluate the effects of genetic variants.

• Perform and analyze transcript isoform studies using qRT-PCR, short-read and long-read RNA sequencing technologies.

• Carry out protein-level assays, including Western blotting and flow cytometry.

Project management (25%):

• Mentor and supervise student trainees and junior lab members in experimental and analytical techniques.

• Assist the Principal Investigator with preparation of manuscripts, grant applications, and progress reports; ensure alignment with project milestones.

Laboratory management (15%):

• Maintain lab organization, manage inventory and supplies, ensure compliance with chemical and biological safety regulations.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Genetics, Genome Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related biomedical field, and a minimum of two years of laboratory research experience in molecular biology, genome sciences, or human genetics, including hands-on experience designing and executing reporter assays to evaluate the functional impact of genetic variants.

• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in developing protocols for plasmid DNA delivery (e.g., transfection or nucleofection) in mammalian cell systems.

• Experience with DNA library preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS).

• Proficiency in core molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, RT/qRT-PCR, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, protein extraction, and western blotting.

• Willingness and ability to work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated by co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications and/or presentations at scientific conferences.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

• Experience analyzing RNA-seq or other high-throughput sequencing data.

• Familiarity with command-line tools and scripting languages (e.g., R, Python, Bash), including modifying or adapting existing analysis pipelines.

• Experience with long-read sequencing technologies (e.g., PacBio, Oxford Nanopore).

• Interest in integrating experimental and computational approaches.

About the Team

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences within the UW School of Medicine is the third largest clinical department within the School of Medicine with 330 full-time faculty members, 460 courtesy faculty members, and over 350 staff. Department faculty provide clinical services in 5 hospitals, 14 primary care locations, and several outpatient sites in addition to telepsychiatry consultations to more than 150 clinics in Washington and beyond. As the only academic psychiatry department serving the five state WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho), the Department’s highly competitive residency training program is largely responsible for developing the mental health workforce in the Pacific Northwest. The Department’s robust research portfolio totals $65 million in grants and contracts per year for projects ranging from clinical neurosciences to treatment development to health policy and population health. The Department’s research mission involves over 100 faculty. The Department is recognized as an international leader in developing, testing, and implementing Collaborative Care, an integrated care model increasingly seen as a solution for population-based mental health care. Other areas of excellence include Addictions, Autism, High Risk Youth, Neurosciences, and Trauma, and the Department is developing innovative new programs in Technology and Mental Health, Global Mental Health, Maternal and Child Mental Health, and Targeted Intervention Development. Psychiatry is the third largest department in the School of Medicine and the largest non-divisioned department. The overall annual operations funding from all sources is over $150 million.

Placement in the range will depend on a candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process. 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$68,736.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$73,644.00 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 committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

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.