| FOR
STUDENTS (updated October 9, 2007) |
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| 1
Positions is Available:
1. Tissue
Engineering Scientist We will accept students with funded scholarships or who wish to volunteer. |
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| Description: |
Outstanding
opportunity for UW undergraduate to support cell biology, molecular
biology, protein chemistry, and bioinformatic research efforts at Seattle
Children's Hospital Research Institute. |
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| Qualifications: |
Sophomore
or Junior status, completion of biology/microbiology/chemistry series that
includes lab and/or computer science series that includes lab,
self-motivator, and problem-solver. Freshman may apply may need to
demonstrate accelerated training. Seniors may apply but need to commit to
2 years. |
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| Commitment: |
Two-year
commitment required from the successful applicant. |
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| Projects: | These
projects take time -- expect several months at a minimum. Please see
"Projects Page". |
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| Background: | "Links
to bladder information and diseases", a recent paper of ours
on how to immortalize cells in Cell
Proliferation, our classic 2002 paper in the Journal
of Biological Chemistry about the biology of FGF-10 in transitional
epithelium, and our classic 1996 paper on the renaturation of
recombinant SPARC from bacteria in the Archives
of Biochemistry and Biophysics. To read these two papers,
your computer will need the Adobe
Reader. The successful candidate will be able to describe during
his/her interview a general understanding of the lower urinary tract,
general concepts of gene expression or interest/training in maintaining
searchable databases on Linux platforms. |
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Duties:
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Cell/Molecular
Biologist: You will start with simple duties - orientation, lab
maintenance, inventory, making of solutions and experimental
support. Once you get your feet wet (and proven yourself to us
somewhat), you will be given a choice of projects that will last several
months or longer.
Bioinformatic Scientist: You will
work with laboratory staff to enter microscopic images into Open
Microscopy Environment. |
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| Methods: |
Protein
chemistry - You will learn to purify medically important proteins that we
express in bacteria. From bacterial culture to finished protein
product, you will need to be able to learn new techniques, troubleshoot
problems on the fly, and write up your results. Expect to run
lots of gels and westerns. For 2005-06, we particularly need help to
run the lab's HPLC during protein isolation.
Molecular biology - Every once in a while we will need to make a new construct or mutant. PCR, cloning, minipreps, agarose gels, and sequence analysis. You will farm out the sequencing. Microbiology - Since we express proteins in bacteria, expect to pour and streak lots of plates, to grow lots of liquid cultures from 0.005 - 10 liters, and to clean up after yourself. For 2005-06, we particularly need help in cloning and isolation/ characterization of plasmids. Microscopy and Immunohistochemistry - A variety of projects would benefit from data derived from incubation of specific antibodies with human cells and tissue. Expect to learn histology, to take lots of digital pictures, to keep our collection of images organized on our server, and to work at Children's. For 2007-2009, we particularly need help with microscopy, photography, and imaging. The data can be spectacular -- this is one of our most enjoyable project areas. This is the principal responsibilities of the position available. In situ hybridization - In collaboration with one of our senior scientists, you will be at the heart of our laboratory's research pulse. For 2005-2006, we have several projects that will take great care to pull off. The data is often intriguing and spectacular. Human Cell Culture -- You will assist in growing urothelial cells from human bladder specimens. This state-of-the-art facility is fully equipped -- if you perform well in support tasks, then you will be given a chance to propagate the cells on your own. Genomics - If you aren't
handy with a computer, then this might not be the job for you. You
will be expected to either already know or learn incredibly fast how to
work applications running on Windows 2000/XP and Linux platforms. We
do a lot of mining, sequence analysis, and networking. You will be
pointed in the right direction but expect to use your own brain-power to
figure things out. For 2007-2009, critical needs in Linux
administration of bioinformatic and relational database management have
been identified -- expect to be compensated. |
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| Compensation: |
UW
students can work up to 20 hrs a week during the academic year and will
earn $10 per hour or more, based on scholarly rank.
You can enroll in Uro 499 or other undergraduate research courses and receive academic credit. You will be encouraged to apply for a Hughes or Mary Gates scholarship. If you are premed, this
opportunity will serve you well. Many past students have asked us
for advice or to write letters of recommendation. Our track record
is perfect! |
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| To
Apply: |
http://www.seattlechildrens.org/home/careers
Navigate to External Job
Seeker > Select 'Research' and '9th and Stewart' |
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| The
Process: |
Once
your application has been reviewed, you will be contacted for an
interview. To prepare for the interview: cover letter, resume, a
copy of your UW transcripts, read up on our lab's web page, and perhaps
one of our papers or two. |
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