The Lutz lab in the department of Bioengineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to collaborative, cooperative, and interdisciplinary research. The Lutz lab has developed a diagnostic assay for tuberculosis that detects cell-free DNA in easily accessible urine samples. Our recent work is getting significant attention from clinical researchers and technology developers, and we aim to advance our collaborations and develop the next generation of molecular assays and point of care collection devices.  We are seeking a scientist who is self-motivated, well organized, and experienced working with biological samples. The ideal candidate will have research experience with nucleic acid extraction methods and PCR assay design.

This is a full-time position with a 12-month service period, with the possibility for yearly renewal dependent upon performance and continued funding. The Lutz lab is part of the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA. The start date for this position is as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will be expected to

• Refine molecular assays and explore strategies to improve assay sensitivity.
• Develop new methods for concentration and detection of cell-free DNA including design of PCR assays
• Coordinate and conduct clinical studies to validate the cell-free DNA assay, determine its diagnostic accuracy across different patient populations (including children), and compare performance in urine and plasma samples.
• Continue work with existing collaborators to procure and test samples and establish new collaborations (building off existing leads).
• Contribute to simplifying the current lab-based assay to a partially automated device format more suitable for use in low-resource settings.
• Independently manage the project and, in coordination with the Principal Investigator, guide the future project direction.
• Contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals and to present work at local seminars/symposia as well as professional society meetings.

The base salary range for this position will be $5,459 to $5,834 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations Website.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD (or other foreign equivalent) at the time of hire.

In order to be eligible for University sponsorship for an H-1B visa, graduates of foreign (non-U.S.) medical schools must show successful completion of all three steps of the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), or equivalent as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Interested and qualified applicants should apply via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/109286) with a CV, cover letter describing your interest in the position and experience, and the contact information for three referees. Review of applications will begin in July and continue until the position is filled.