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The Department of Comparative Medicine (DCM) has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist 2.

The Department of Comparative Medicine (DCM) is one of 12 basic science departments in the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine (SOM). The mission of the department is to advance knowledge and improve the health and welfare of humans and animals through excellent service support, biomedical research, and teaching. DCM is the central laboratory animal medicine resource at the University of Washington, supporting over 114,000 assignable square feet of animal facilities with an average daily census in excess of 100,000 animals across multiple species (e.g., rodents, rabbits, swine, and zebrafish). The department employs over 175 individuals who provide a comprehensive range of animal husbandry, veterinary, and laboratory services across numerous vivaria. The UW animal care program is accredited by AAALAC International and provides services to over 400 principal investigators. DCM faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and residents conduct basic and clinical research on a wide range of subjects including, but not limited to, comparative aspects of infectious disease, aging, cancer biology and genetics.

The Research Scientist 2 will facilitate cutting edge research in the University’s large, state-of-the-art BSL3/ABSL3 Select Agent Facility. This individual will work with the Facility Manager to support the provision and oversight of facility operations, regulatory compliance, and the furtherance of research endeavors and animal welfare. The individual will also conduct select laboratory- and animal-based research procedures and assays with an array of viral and bacterial pathogens.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key duties of this position relate to assisting the Facility Manager in managing day-to-day facility operations. Specific responsibilities include:
•Collaborate with the Facility Manager to support the provision and oversight of facility operations, regulatory compliance, and the furtherance of research endeavors and animal welfare.
•Conduct select laboratory- and animal-based research procedures and assays with an array of viral and bacterial pathogens.
•Perform animal care and facility sanitization and maintenance duties.
•Provide DCM technical services to support research efforts in in vitro and in vivo studies, as contracted between Facility Users and DCM.
•Assist in developing training materials. Assist in training and assessing competencies of current and proposed Facility Users in facility-specific as well as general safety practices and procedures.
•Communicate with EH&S personnel, Select Agent Program Responsible Official and Alternate Responsible Officials, research staff, research support staff, and other subject matter experts.
•Maintain ready availability and safe operation of facility equipment (e.g., personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, laboratory equipment, animal caging) to include completion of required testing and certification.
•Regularly evaluate and, as needed, recommend modifications to current and proposed facility procedures, equipment, and physical areas to optimize personnel safety, animal welfare, facility security, and the conduct of research.
•Assist in the writing and revision of facility standard operating procedures, policies, and manuals.
•Ensure logs and documentation are completed and maintained as required.
•Serve as the primary liaison with equipment vendors, UW Facilities, and building management personnel for repair, replacement, certification, and validation of facility equipment and applicable building systems (e.g., plumbing, HVAC, structural) in the absence of or at the request of the Facility Manager.
•Order and receive equipment and supplies; maintain appropriate supply inventories.
•Understand and follow applicable federal, state, local, and University policies, protocols, and regulations.
•Respond to facility alarms, emergencies, and known or suspected accidents/incidents, including on evenings, weekends, and holidays in collaboration with other facility management personnel.
•Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
•Bachelor's degree in biological science or related field.
•At least 2 years of technical laboratory bench experience.
•Previous experience working with research animals.
•Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a research environment with culturally diverse populations and with individuals of varying educational and professional backgrounds (e.g., Animal Technicians, Veterinarians, Research Technicians, Principal Investigators).
•Demonstrated problem solving skills.
•Demonstrated ability to review goals, analyze processes, and develop approaches and systems required to meet objectives.
•Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision; explore new areas and seek opportunities to apply new knowledge to work.
•Demonstrated professionalism, self-motivation, and attention to detail.
•Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and foster collegial and cooperative relationships with co-workers and clients.
•Strong verbal and written communication skills with robust organizational abilities.
•Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, and Outlook) and calendaring systems.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum requirements.

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS
•Previous experience with BSL3 containment including select agent containment, procedures, and practices.
•Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of federal and state biosafety and health and safety regulations including, but not limited to, federal select agent regulations, bloodborne pathogens, and requirements related to the use or transfer of biological agents in a research setting.
•Working knowledge of animal husbandry standards, regulatory guidelines, requirements, and common standard operating procedures.
•Certifications by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (ALAT, LAT, LATG, CMAR, ILAM).
•Experience with Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft SharePoint Online.
•Demonstrated leadership and effective delegation skills.
•Previous supervisory experience.
•Possess general mechanical knowledge.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
• Punctuality and regular attendance are critical components of this position.
• This is an essential position. The employee is expected to report to work under conditions that other employees are not required to report to work, such as inclement weather and UW suspended operations.
• The initial work schedule will be 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; future work week schedules may change to meet the needs of the department.
• Occasional required work outside of regular work hours including, but not limited to, rotating emergency on-call duty, will be required.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and carry 30 pounds.
• Must pass a Department of Justice security clearance and the Personnel Suitability Assessment to access BSL3/ABSL3 Select Agents.
• Obtain initial and annual medical exam and vaccinations; must be able to maintain medical clearance to enter and work in the ABSL3/BSL3 facility; able to wear negative and positive respirators, and personal protective equipment.
• Employee is personally responsible for following all Environmental Health & Safety and security policies/procedures.

Application process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.