Research Scientist/Engr 4

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE

This position focuses on epigenetic engineering, gene regulation, and stem cell biology, specifically the development and application of AI-designed epigenetic protein binders (EpiBinders) and CRISPR-dCas9-based systems (e.g., EBdCas9, DNMT3a binder recruiter fusion to dCas9, TET binder recruiter fusion to dCas9) to modulate gene expression in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and disease modeling.

Purpose of Research:

The position supports translational research projects aimed at:

• Enhancing pancreatic islet cell differentiation and function for diabetes therapies

• Reversing muscle aging and promoting regeneration in sarcopenia

• Reprogramming ductal or hepatic cells for cell replacement therapies

• Developing next-generation epigenetic tools to improve therapeutic precision and reduce off-target effects.

Major duties and responsibilities:

• Design and execution of epigenetic, editing experiments using CRISPR-dCas9 or EpiBinders (35%)

• Computational and experimental development of AI-guided mini-proteins for chromatin modulation (25%)

• Mentoring and supervising trainees and junior Scientists (10%)

• Project management, experimental planning, data analysis, and manuscript preparations (15%)

• Grant Writing, IP strategy, and stakeholder engagement (10%)

• Collaborative coordination with internal and external research teams (5%)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

Master Degree in Molecular Biology and four years of experience with epigenetic engineering, gene regulation, and stem cell biology, OR Equivalent combination of education/experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced knowledge of epigenetic regulation, including chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, and DNA methylation/demethylation pathways.

• Expertise in CRISPR-based epigenetic editing platforms, including dCas9 fusion proteins and guide RNA design for transcriptional modulation.

• Proficiency in designing, generating, and testing AI-guided epigenetic mini-proteins (EpiBinders) for targeted gene regulation.

• Experience with mammalian cell culture, including iPSCs, primary immune cells, and muscle cell models.

• Technical skills in molecular biology techniques, such as qRT-PCR, ChIP-qPCR, Western blotting, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and co-immunoprecipitation.

• Ability to develop, execute, and interpret high-throughput screening experiments for gene expression and chromatin changes.

• Strong data analysis skills, including interpretation of multi-omics datasets and bioinformatics tools for off-target assessment.

• Excellent scientific communication skills, including manuscript and grant writing.

• Experience mentoring students and coordinating interdisciplinary research teams.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Expertise in therapeutic development, including preclinical validation strategies and regulatory considerations for gene and cell therapies.

• Experience in epigenome engineering across diverse diseasemodels (e.g., diabetes, sarcopenia, cancer, immunotherapy). Familiarity with computational protein design platforms (e.g., Rosetta/IPD pipeline) and AI-guided binder development.

• Knowledge of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and delivery strategies for mRNA and protein therapeutics. Patent strategy development and experience with technology transfer (e.g., UW CoMotion licensing, startup formation).

• Experience in building academic-industry collaborations and leading translational research initiatives.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM and demonstrated leadership in mentoring underrepresented trainees. Strong track record of invited talks, symposia presentations, and participation in multidisciplinary research consortia.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$102,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$117,600.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

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 ( . 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 ... 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 ( .

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.