Analytical Methods and Instrumentation Scientist

Job Description

About this Opportunity

The Institute for Protein Design (IPD) at the University of Washington is a world-leading research center focused on creating new proteins that solve challenges in medicine technology and sustainability. Founded by Nobel laureate David Baker the IPD fosters a collaborative interdisciplinary environment bringing together expertise in computational design biochemistry genome sciences and structural biology. Current projects include the development of novel therapeutics vaccines enzymes and protein-based nanomaterials. Learn more at .

Purpose of the research project(s) this position supports:

The Analytical Methods and Instrumentation Scientist (Research Scientist/Engineer 3) will play a critical role in strengthening IPDs analytical and purification capabilities. By developing reliable generaluse methods for smallmolecule analysis enzyme characterization and chromatography workflows this position directly supports a wide range of protein design and enzyme engineering addition to method development and data analysis the RS3 provides extensive training for graduate students postdocs and other researchers across core instrumentation such as FPLC HPLC LCMS and SPR systems. This work ensures that IPD scientists can generate highquality and reproducible data and builds longterm technical capacity essential to IPDs mission to design proteins that address global challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Mentorship and Training (50%)
Train and mentor graduate students postdoctoral fellows and other research staff in FPLC (AKTA) U/HPLC (Agilent) LCMS (Agilent) SPR (Cytiva) and related analytical techniques.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for instrument operation preventative maintenance method execution troubleshooting and data analysis.
Provide ongoing scientific and technical guidance to help trainees build longterm competency in analytical workflows and instrument care.

Analytical Method Development and Data Analysis (35%)
Develop optimize and validate analytical and purification methods for small molecule analysis enzyme characterization and chromatography workflows using FPLC (AKTA) U/HPLC (Agilent) LCMS (Agilent) SPR (Cytiva) and related analytical systems.
Perform data analysis to improve sensitivity reproducibility and throughput across IPD analytical pipelines.
Create generaluse protocols and reference datasets that support consistent and reproducible use of core instrumentation.
Collaborate with researchers to refine methods that support small molecule protein and enzyme design and contribute to the interpretation of analytical results.

Instrumentation Oversight (15%)
Manage and maintain IPD instrumentation including FPLC (AKTA) U/HPLC (Agilent) LCMS (Agilent) SPR (Cytiva) and related analytical systems and other core analytical equipment.
Coordinate routine maintenance schedules and ensure instruments remain reliable and ready for highthroughput use.
Monitor instrument performance identify emerging issues and implement improvements that support IPD research needs.
Support IPD researchers by ensuring equitable access to instrumentation and by maintaining clear documentation of instrument status and usage expectations.
Collaborate with IPD Lab Management to review emerging technologies and guide the adoption of new capabilities that strengthen IPDs analytical and purification infrastructure.

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 Requirements:

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Bachelors degree in Biochemistry Biology Physics or related field and four years of experience with smallmolecule analytical techniques

Additional Requirements:

• Handson experience with smallmolecule analytical techniques including method development optimization and validation across diverse analytes.
• Proficiency with U/HPLC (Agilent) systems including routine maintenance troubleshooting and advanced method setup.
• Experience operating and supporting LCMS (Agilent) instruments including data acquisition analysis and interpretation.
• Strong understanding of chromatography principles and purification strategies using FPLC systems such as ÄKTA.
• Familiarity with SPR (Cytiva) instrumentation and associated analytical workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to develop generaluse protocols SOPs and reference datasets that improve reproducibility and accessibility for trainees.
• Proven experience mentoring and training trainees including graduate students postdoctoral fellows and staff in analytical techniques and instrumentation use.
• Strong scientific and technical problemsolving skills including diagnosing mechanical fluidic electronic and software issues across multiple instrument platforms and working with technical support to request service visits as needed.
• Ability to manage multiple analytical projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of data quality and instrument reliability.

Desired:

• Doctorate degree in chemistry biochemistry chemical engineering or a related field.
• 4 years of relevant experience in analytical chemistry or instrumentation support.
• Experience developing and optimizing smallmolecule analytical methods including complex assay design and validation.
• Familiarity with managing and maintaining analytical instrumentation such as FPLC HPLC LCMS and SPR systems.
• Experience with protein expression and purification workflows that interface with chromatography and analytical characterization.
• Strong understanding of analytical chemistry and biophysical principles and their application to protein design enzyme engineering and smallmolecule characterization.
• Experience contributing to grant proposals or securing funding for scientific or instrumentationrelated projects.
• Ability to contribute to highquality scientific publications and present analytical findings to multidisciplinary research teams.
• Experience implementing or improving automated or highthroughput analytical workflows.
• Familiarity with data processing environments and software used for largescale analytical datasets including commandline tools and scripting for data analysis.

Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

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 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 or .

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.