Research Technologist 1 (NE S SEIU 925 RT)

Job Description

The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Technologist 1 to join their team. 

About this Opportunity 

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Technologist 1 supports a research program studying chromosomal instability (CIN) — the ongoing gain and loss of whole chromosomes during cell division — in human trophoblast, and how it compares with the aneuploidy seen in cancer. This position generates the core experimental data for that work: maintaining human trophoblast stem cell, organoid, and cancer cell line cultures; running live-cell imaging experiments that capture chromosome segregation errors as they happen; performing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and molecular assays to measure aneuploidy and copy-number change; and carrying out quantitative analysis of the resulting image and sequencing datasets. The work is hands-on and protocol-driven, with direct responsibility for the reproducibility and continuity of experiments across the lab. 

This position is based at the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM) on the UW South Lake Union campus at 850 Republican Street, Seattle. The work is performed on-site at the laboratory bench and is not eligible for telework. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday during business hours; because live cell cultures require continuous care, the schedule also includes rotating weekend and holiday coverage arranged in advance with the Principal Investigator. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Cell culture – 22%: Maintain human trophoblast stem cell, organoid, and cancer cell line cultures according to established protocols, including thawing, passaging, differentiation, transfection or lentiviral transduction, drug treatment, and cryopreservation; generate and maintain fluorescently labeled reporter lines; monitor culture morphology and health daily; maintain cell line, passage, and karyotype records; provide scheduled weekend and holiday culture coverage. 

• Live-cell imaging – 20%: Set up and run long-term time-lapse imaging experiments on incubated widefield and confocal systems; prepare imaging dishes and label cells for chromosome and nuclear markers; acquire multi-position, multi-channel z-stack time series of dividing cells; monitor runs in progress and troubleshoot focus drift, stage positioning, and phototoxicity; manage acquisition settings and the transfer and archiving of large raw imaging datasets. 

• Quantitative image analysis – 15%: Segment and track cells across time-lapse datasets; score mitotic and nuclear phenotypes including lagging chromosomes, anaphase bridges, micronuclei, and multipolar divisions; run, adapt, and document analysis pipelines in Fiji/ImageJ, CellProfiler, or Python; compile per-cell measurements into analysis-ready tables; generate summary plots and quality-control figures. 

• Cytogenetic and molecular assays – 20%: Perform interphase and metaphase FISH, including metaphase spread preparation, probe hybridization, washing, and signal enumeration; perform immunofluorescence and combined immunoFISH staining; carry out DNA and RNA extraction, qPCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting; prepare samples for flow cytometry including DNA-content and ploidy analysis, and for sequencing-based copy-number assays. 

• Data recording and reporting – 8%: Record, organize, and verify the accuracy of imaging and assay data; perform calculations; maintain electronic laboratory notebook entries and a consistent file, naming, and metadata structure for large imaging datasets; prepare charts, graphs, and written summaries of results; participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions. 

• Instrumentation and equipment – 5%: Operate and maintain fluorescence and confocal microscopes, environmental chambers, biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, plate readers, and flow cytometers; perform routine quality control including illumination and stage-position checks; coordinate calibration and vendor service; troubleshoot routine instrument problems. 

• Reagents, ordering, and inventory – 5%: Prepare media, buffers, reagents, antibody and FISH probe dilutions; order supplies and track orders through receipt; maintain inventory, freezer, and cell line stocks; reconcile purchases against assigned budgets. 

• Laboratory safety, compliance, and technique demonstration – 5%: Maintain compliance with UW Environmental Health & Safety, biosafety, and chemical hygiene requirements; maintain training, inspection, and waste documentation; demonstrate and explain established techniques to students and new laboratory personnel; maintain written standard operating procedures. 

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 Qualifications 

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

• Two years of experience as a Laboratory Technician II, or equivalent; OR a Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field of science or technology. 

Additional Qualifications

• Hands-on experience culturing human pluripotent or trophoblast stem cells, organoids, or cancer cell lines using aseptic technique in a BSL-2 laboratory. 

• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, including live-cell time-lapse imaging and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on interphase nuclei or metaphase spreads. 

• Experience with quantitative image analysis — cell segmentation, tracking, or scoring of mitotic and nuclear phenotypes — using Fiji/ImageJ, CellProfiler, napari, or comparable tools. 

• Scripting experience in Python or R for processing, analyzing, and plotting quantitative or imaging data, and familiarity with version control such as Git. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Coursework or research experience in cell biology, cancer biology, genetics, or genome stability, including familiarity with aneuploidy and chromosomal instability. 

Working Conditions 

• Work is performed in a BSL-2 research laboratory involving human-derived cell lines and primary tissue, cancer cell lines, chemical reagents including formamide and other FISH reagents, and cryogenic materials including liquid nitrogen; use of personal protective equipment is required at all times. 

• Live cell culture and time-lapse imaging schedules require rotating weekend and holiday coverage and regular work outside standard business hours, including early morning, evening, or occasional overnight time points to start, monitor, and end imaging runs. 

• Work involves extended periods in darkened microscope rooms and repeated fine motor tasks at a biosafety cabinet or microscope; requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods and to lift and carry laboratory supplies weighing up to 25 pounds. 

• This position is located on the South Lake Union campus and is not eligible for telework. 

• This position performs essential services and may be required to work during any period of declared suspended operation. 

About the Team 

The Yang Lab is part of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM) at UW Medicine. The lab studies chromosomal instability in the human placenta — why trophoblast tolerates whole-chromosome errors that would be catastrophic in most tissues, and what that tolerance shares with the aneuploidy that drives cancer. The work combines human stem cell and organoid culture with live-cell imaging, molecular cytogenetics, and single-cell genomics, and is supported by federal funding from the National Institutes of Health. 

ISCRM brings together faculty from across UW Medicine and the University of Washington in a shared research environment on the South Lake Union campus, with access to core facilities for flow cytometry, imaging, genomics, and bioengineering. The Research Technologist 1 will work alongside graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate researchers in a small, collaborative group. More information about the lab is available at yang-lab-uw.com. 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

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Temporary or Regular?

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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 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 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.