**Job Description** As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty. **_The Department of Global Health_** **at the University of Washington is seeking a highly motivated individual for a** **_Temporary_** **Research Scientist Assistant.** This position will contribute to ongoing research aimed at enhancing diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections, conducting phenotypic and genotypic surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in _Neisseria gonorrhoeae_ **,** investigating commensal bacteria as potential reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance transferable to _Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and investigating the_ host-pathogen interactions underlying _gonococcal infections_ **.** This position is currently funded for a period of six months, with the possibility of extension for up to an additional three months. The ideal candidate will be highly responsible, detail-oriented, and well-organized. Applicants should possess foundational microbiology skills and demonstrate a strong interest in preparing antimicrobial-containing culture media for susceptibility testing. They must be willing to learn and show proficiency in performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing for _Neisseria gonorrhoeae_ and other clinical important bacterial species. A strong academic background in microbiology and molecular biology or related sciences at the undergraduate level is highly desirable. **DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** **Characterization of antimicrobial resistance profiles in** **Neisseria gonorrhoeae** **and other clinically important bacterial species (40%)** + Conduct bacterial culture and bacterial identification using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using established protocols. + Conduct _Neisseria gonorrhoeae_ culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by agar dilution and Etest following established protocols. + Perform species confirmatory tests for _Neisseria gonorrhoeae_ and other bacterial species. + Establish models of _Neisseria gonorrhoeae_ infection. **Molecular detection and characterization of STI pathogens (40%)** + Perform molecular detection of STI pathogens using the fully automated Hologic Panther System + Perform polymerase chain reactions (PCR), Real-time PCR, Quantitative PCR (qPCR), agarose gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid amplification tests. + Perform nucleic acid amplification testing for detection of _Treponema pallidum_ from mucosal specimens, sera, blood, and other clinical specimens. + Perform real-time PCR assays for detection of genetic markers of resistance in _Neisseria gonorrheoae_ and other STI pathogens using novel laboratory developed and commercially available assays. + Purify high molecular weight genomic DNA for Next Generation Sequencing. + Independently execute standard protocols for molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance determinants of bacterial isolates and clinical specimens. + Participate in diagnostic test validation and optimization of new test methods. **Laboratory research support, data analysis, quality assurance and compliance (20%)** + General laboratory maintenance including cleaning of glassware, temperature logs/charts of laboratory equipment, preparing reagents and chemical solutions, freezer organization and inventory of isolates, shipment of specimens. + Perform work accurately, precisely and meets test completion deadlines. + Accommodates schedule changes to cooperatively accomplish required daily work. + Maintain and complete accurate, legible laboratory records. Thoroughly documents any protocol modifications. + Participate in and support quality assessment and continuous laboratory improvement activities + Participate in lab meetings and network with coworkers and collaborators. + Perform related duties as assigned. **MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS** + Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related field and less than one year of relevant experience. + _Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration._ **DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS** + Excellent molecular biology laboratory skills and research experience + The sponsor requires that the successful candidate must be willing to train for 3-6 weeks on antimicrobial susceptibility testing; demonstrate proficiency by testing panels of blind isolates (2 times/year) and participate in 6 other proficiency testing events for molecular testing performed in the laboratory; and support ongoing rigorous quality assessment and continuous laboratory improvement activities. + Have a working knowledge of general lab procedures and protocols + Demonstrated ability to work independently and to proactively communicate with supervisor and collaborators regarding research progress and lab management + Excellent microbiology laboratory skills + High degree of organization and meticulousness + Ability to take on responsibility + Ability to work well with other laboratory staff + Depth of expertise in Gram-stain, microscopy, qPCR and nucleic acid amplification testing, cell culture and microscopy + Experience in antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Etest and/agar dilution + Experience performing APTIMA nucleic acid amplification test + Experience with PCR testing methods and sequencing technologies + Good laboratory practice (GLP) skills + Experience working in a clinical or research environment + Bacteriology and molecular biology research experience. + Research experience with real-time PCR and traditional PCR techniques + Professional, flexible, and hardworking with a strong attention to detail and ability to organize and maintain accurate records. **CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT** + This position will have critical/essential staff designation and as such will be required to report to work when scheduled despite inclement weather. **ABOUT THE DEPARMENT** The Department of Global Health was established in 2007, bridging the schools of Medicine and Public Health, with a mandate to harness the expertise and interdisciplinary power of all UW schools and colleges. Our mission is to improve health for all through research, education, training, and service; to understand and address the causes of disease and health inequities at multiple levels; and to collaborate with partners to develop and sustain locally-led, quality health systems, programs and policies. Driven by tremendous interest among both students and faculty, the Department has grown explosively to more than 400 graduate students and hundreds more undergraduates. We have more than 380 faculty and 1,000 staff working on projects across 130 countries with our deepest ties in United States, Kenya, Uganda, Peru, Mozambique, India, South Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Nicaragua. At the Department of Global Health at the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. The Department recognizes that disparities in health around the globe stem from inequity. The Department encourages and supports the multiple identities of staff, faculty and students including, but not limited to, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, culture, spiritual practice, geography, mental and physical disability and age. The Department strives to become a local, national, and international leader in developing and maintaining increased representation and recognition of each of these dimensions of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. **Compensation, Benefits and Position Details** **Pay Range Minimum:** $51,000.00 annual **Pay Range Maximum:** $55,692.00 annual **Other Compensation:** - **Benefits:** For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/ **Shift:** First Shift (United States of America) **Temporary or Regular?** This is a temporary position **FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):** 100.00% **Union/Bargaining Unit:** Not Applicable **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 proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://hr.uw.edu/eoaa/) . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. 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 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) . University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.