Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant

Job Description

The Department of Biology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to Professor, the Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant is responsible for ecological research, including on plant-pollinator networks and including a community science component, and molecular biology, primarily DNA metabarcoding of pollen.

Key Responsibilities

RESEARCH / PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION (50%)

• Research activities include field data collection on plants, pollinators, and plant-pollinator interactions; identification and curation of insect and plant specimens; molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing prep); data and database management, cleaning, and wrangling; and participation in laboratory meetings.
• Additional activities may include: maintaining and conducting behavioral experiments with live pollinators (occasionally during non-standard hours); data analysis; scientific literature searching and synthesis; molecular biology work (e.g., DNA metabarcoding; flow cytometry) and bioinformatics; scientific writing and editing; poster and talk development; computational and/or mathematical modeling; and relevant learning and training activities.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (30%)

• Management activities include: developing and tracking project timelines and deliverables; managing volunteers including trainings; managing the lab calendar, safety/EHSO compliance, website, and social media; ordering supplies; organizing lab meetings and communications; coordinating with research collaborators; planning field logistics (permits, field station/lodging, vehicles, travel authorizations); supporting scientific paper submission; managing GitHub projects and data repositories; contributing to grant proposal development (COI lists, forms, submissions) and agency reporting; contributing to budget management and reimbursements; maintaining equipment, supply, and sample inventories; and maintaining tidiness of laboratory and research spaces.

UNDERGRADUATE SUPERVISION & MENTORSHIP (15%)

• Undergraduate supervision activities include: instructing and supervising undergraduates in data collection and processing; scheduling undergraduate research time; tracking contact information and schedules; developing and carrying out professional development activities (e.g., paper discussions, career development); and maintaining positive, open professional relationships with laboratory undergraduates.


RESEARCH OUTREACH (5%)

• Maintain and contribute to a portfolio of outreach materials and activities; coordinate outreach with lab members; participate in outreach activities (typically off-site, occasionally during non-standard hours).


Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or related area AND
• Less than one year of relevant experience in ecological field/lab research; data entry, management, and analysis
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional Qualifications

• Ability to hike 7+ miles at 9,000+ ft elevation on steep and uneven terrain carrying loads of up to 40 pounds.

• Experience in supervising others (particularly undergraduates); and sufficient background to quickly learn molecular biology techniques used in DNA barcoding/metabarcoding.



Preferred Qualifications

• HIGHLY DESIRED: Basic proficiency with spreadsheets and the R programming language.
• OTHER DESIRED: Field ecological data collection and/or plant and insect identification in the montane Western US; experience collecting plant-pollinator network data; hands-on experience with plant reproductive biology; basic molecular biology techniques; scientific manuscript and poster development; GitHub experience; advanced R and/or other programming skills.


Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

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 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.