Research Scientist/Engineer 3

Job Description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has an outstanding opportunity for a part-time Research Scientist/Engineer 3 in the Human Photonics Lab, directed by Dr. Eric Seibel for the last 20 years.  This lab invents and develops prototype medical devices and instrumentation that images and helps to diagnose tissues for the successful treatment human diseases.

This position will develop tissue labeling for the type of disease identification and use optical microscopy for localizing and quantifying the disease categorization. These procedures will be integrated into existing cancer diagnosis protocols from biopsy tissues from the breast initially and possibly other organs in the future. The position will work with a team of engineers, pathologists, surgeons, and laboratory technicians and laboratory resources are found within the Human Photonics Lab, CoMotion shared-use laboratories, and other UW user facilities.

This position is 50% FTE with the possibility of increasing to 75% FTE dependent on future funding.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and perform staining on human breast tissue specimens, including FFPE and/or fresh frozen samples in protocols that integrates with current diagnostic optical imaging techniques for cancer diagnosis, such as fluorescence imitating brightfield imaging (FIBI). [30%]

• Optimize antibody or peptide selection, titration, and staining protocols for detection of breast cancer biomarkers (e.g., ER, PR, HER2, Ki 67, cytokeratins, immune cell markers, ECM markers) that can be used for quantitative immunofluorescence staining or similar optical microscopy techniques. [15%]

• Conduct quantitative image analysis using tools such as ImageJ/Fiji, CellProfiler, HALO, or similar platforms. [15%]

• Operate and maintain multispectral optical microscopes (widefield, confocal, and/or fluorescence) to acquire high quality images. [10%]

• Collaborate with pathologists, engineers, and data scientists to interpret results and validate marker expression patterns. [10%]

• Maintain accurate and organized laboratory records, SOPs, and experimental data. [5%]

• Assist in the development and troubleshooting of novel sample prep workflows or imaging methods. [5%]

• Present research findings in lab meetings, team collaborations, and potentially at scientific conferences. [5%]

• Ensure compliance with biosafety, ethical use of human specimens, and institutional research regulations. [5%]

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering or a related field and four years of relevant experience in labeling tissue with molecular probes and has training in molecular biology.

Additional Requirements:

• Experience with custom optical microscopies, such as multispectral/multimodal microscopy.

• Demonstrated tissue preparation skills for quantitative optical microscopy experiments.

• Proficiency in image acquisition, image processing, and quantitative image analysis.

• Laboratory skills in biological sample preparation for fluorescence tissue microscopy.

• Demonstrated ability to work with human tissue samples under biosafety guidelines.

• Experience with organizing experimental studies using large image files.

• Excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills.

• Self-motivation, fast learner, and can work independently

• Able to create new clinical lab protocols.

• Maintaining clean lab conditions.

• Competent in ordering supplies.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of breast cancer biology and common molecular markers.

• Ability to create new laboratory protocols in tissue staining and immunolabeling.

• Knowledgeable in human or animal pathology and oncology laboratory procedures.

• Immunohistochemistry tissue labeling and optical microscope experience.

• Comfortable in disassembling and reassembling lab equipment, e.g. microscopes.

• Demonstrated team player across diverse fields, such as engineering & pathology/surgery.

• Strong foundational background in statistics and probability.

• Computer and web systems literate.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$80,244.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$102,000.00 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):

50.00%

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.