University of Washington · 4 months ago
RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ENGINEER ASSISTANT
Seattle Campus
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$53K/yr - $75K/yr
0+ years expThe University of Washington is seeking a Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant to join the Department of Biochemistry. This role focuses on advancing automated manufacturing methods for high-resolution spatial transcriptomics platforms, integrating bioengineering, robotics, and microfluidics to enhance molecular assays.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Automation of Polony Gel Stamping (50)
Design, fabricate, and test flow cells to streamline gel fabrication
Develop and optimize robotic control systems for automated gel stamping
Troubleshoot and refine automation protocols for reliability and scalability
System Design and Integration (25)
Collaborate with researchers to design and prototype customized flow cells and robotic components
Integrate hardware and software solutions for seamless operation of the polony gel stamping system
Data Analysis and Reporting (15)
Collect and analyze data from stamping processes to evaluate performance and reproducibility
Document findings, improvements, and troubleshooting steps to ensure system optimization
Lab Maintenance and Team Collaboration (10)
Maintain and calibrate automation equipment and ensure proper lab protocols are followed
Work closely with team members to adapt automation systems to emerging research needs
Qualification
Required
Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering and less than one year of relevant experience, OR combination of education/experience
Strong understanding of robotics and automated systems for precision engineering tasks
Basic knowledge of microfluidics and flow cell design
Proficiency in programming languages used for robotics, such as Python, MATLAB, or C++
Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for designing mechanical components
Ability to troubleshoot and optimize robotic workflows and identify performance bottlenecks
Strong analytical skills for interpreting automation data and optimizing system design
Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting processes and collaborating with team members
Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team, integrating input from engineers and biologists
High precision in designing, testing, and implementing automation systems for reproducibility and reliability
Preferred
Expertise in engineering design
Experience with 3D printing for prototyping flow cell designs
Familiarity with advanced robotics platforms (e.g., OpenTrons, Beckman Coulter, or Tecan automation systems)
Knowledge of machine learning techniques for optimizing robotic workflows (desirable but not essential)
Basic understanding of molecular biology or biochemistry, especially for handling gels, buffers, or related materials
Prior experience in integrating robotics with biological workflows in a research or industrial setting
Knowledge of spatial omics technologies, including spatial transcriptomics or related high-throughput methods
Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and work under deadlines
Proactive approach to identifying and solving project challenges
Benefits
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
Company
University of Washington
University of Washington is an educational institution that provides undergraduate, graduate, and research programs.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Washington has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (249)
2024 (211)
2023 (159)
2022 (171)
2021 (169)
2020 (154)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$205.35MKey Investors
Avista foundationNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesAdvanced Research Projects Agency for Health
2025-04-21Grant· $0.01M
2024-09-13Grant
2024-08-13Grant· $21.1M
Leadership Team
Andrew S Allen
Adjunct Professor
Arthur Denny
Founder
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