Research Scientist/Engineer 4

Job Description

The Department of Biochemistry has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 4 to join their team.

About this Opportunity

This position will conduct research on the allosteric regulation of enzymes in intermediary metabolism, with a focus on metabolic enzymes that self-assemble into large macromolecular structures as a mode of regulation, a primary research aim of the Kollman laboratory. The position will use structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to investigate structure-function relationships in key metabolic enzymes that are important therapeutic targets, with cryo-EM structure determination as a central technique. The position may also support other laboratory projects related to the intracellular organization of metabolism, including structural studies of cytoskeletal components and protein assemblies important to bacterial cell biology.

Purpose of research:

The Kollman laboratory investigates intermediary metabolism through two major lines of research: (1) the fundamental enzymology of reactions that are rate-limiting or sit at key branch points in metabolic pathways, and (2) how the spatiotemporal organization of these enzymes in the cell affects flux through these pathways. The laboratory has made critical discoveries about how allosteric ligand binding controls the higher-order assembly and activity of enzymes in nucleotide biosynthesis. Work with collaborating laboratories has further shown how changes in the assembly and localization of these enzymes affect cell and organismal physiology. Because these enzymes are important to human health, the laboratory also investigates the biochemistry underlying clinical variants that are associated with immunological and neurodevelopmental disorders. The overarching goal is to translate fundamental discoveries about these enzymes into an improved understanding of human disease that drives therapeutic development for disorders of nucleotide metabolism.

Key Responsibilities

This position is for an independent research scientist who will identify and pursue new research directions within the scope of the Kollman laboratory’s mission, with minimal oversight from the principal investigator. The scientist will plan and manage multiple research projects, including generating hypotheses, designing experimental approaches, analyzing and interpreting data, and communicating results through manuscripts and presentations at scientific conferences. The scientist will initially assist the principal investigator in developing research grants, with the expectation of developing and writing their own proposals over time. The work requires developing new approaches and methods to address complex biological questions that call for in-depth analysis by an experienced researcher.

The scientist will establish technical expertise in structural biology and protein biochemistry, along with comprehensive knowledge of the cell metabolism and biology relevant to the laboratory’s work, and will serve as a resource to colleagues in the laboratory and the Department of Biochemistry. The position may supervise and mentor junior staff, such as technicians and undergraduate research assistants, and will provide input on laboratory staffing, including identifying and evaluating candidates for open positions. The scientist will also identify new research opportunities and potential collaborators at the University and contribute to the strategic research directions of the laboratory in collaboration with the principal investigator.

Major duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory experiments and analyze data for ongoing research projects (40%)

• Plan, manage, and coordinate multiple research projects (15%)

• Supervise and train junior laboratory staff in experimental design, procedures, and analysis (15%)

• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals (10%)

• Develop, write, and secure research grants for new projects that extend the laboratory’s scope (10%)

• Present research results at scientific conferences (5%)

• Participate in scientific societies and the broader research community, including organizing sessions at scientific meetings (5%)

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

Master's Degree in Biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology or a related field and 4 years of relevant experience in structural biology and protein biochemistry.

Additional Qualifications

• Expertise in single-particle cryo-EM structure determination, including sample preparation, data collection, and data processing in cryoSPARC and RELION.
• Demonstrated expertise in recombinant protein production, including molecular cloning, protein expression, and purification by chromatography.
• Experience with enzyme kinetics and the ability to design and develop new biochemical assays of enzyme function.
• A strong background in cell metabolism, particularly nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis.
• Experience with performing enzyme activity assays and analyzing enzyme kinetics, and demonstrated independence in designing and executing experimental plans to probe enzyme function.
• Knowledge of mammalian cell culture techniques, cell growth assays, and fluoresence cellular imaging.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, or a related field
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, including plasmid transfection and generation of stable cell lines, and with fluorescence microscopy of mammalian or budding yeast cells, including immunofluorescence.
• Experience writing scripts or software to support cryo-EM data processing.
• A record of independently writing and submitting grant proposals, and past success obtaining research fellowships or grants.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$99,444.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$115,200.00 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 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.