Job Description

The Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition (MET) has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 3 position to support studies within the Pyle and Bjornstad Laboratories.

Housed within the University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute at the South Lake Union campus, the Pyle laboratory applies translational data science to bridge complex biostatistics and bioinformatics findings into medical insights. The Bjornstad and Pyle laboratories focus on metabolic and hemodynamic mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 (T2D) diabetes and obesity.

This position is engaged in the field of Spatial transcriptomics and bioinformatics. This position supports the analysis of spatial transcriptomic data generated from kidney biopsy tissue using 10x Genomics platforms including Visium, Visium HD, and Xenium Prime 5K. The role involves processing, quality control, and interpretation of spatially resolved gene expression data to understand disease mechanisms in diabetic kidney disease and obesity-related kidney disease. A key focus includes cell type deconvolution, integration with single-cell RNA-seq reference data, identification of spatially variable genes, and pathway enrichment analysis. This position requires effective communication of results through manuscript writing and presentations at conferences. This position will work under general guidance, receiving instruction on specific assignment objectives, and will collaborate with investigators on spatial transcriptomic analyses, data visualization, and preparation of abstracts, talks, and manuscripts.

Research Sponsors/Stakeholders: Novo Nordisk and NIH

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Spatial Transcriptomics and Data Analysis 60%

• Process and quality-control 10x Genomics Visium, Visium HD, and Xenium Prime 5K spatial transcriptomics data from human and mouse kidney tissue

• Perform spatial preprocessing with Space Ranger and downstream integration across samples using Seurat and BPCells

• Perform cell type deconvolution and mapping by integrating spatial data with single-cell RNA-seq reference objects using RCTD (spacexr) workflow

• Identify spatially variable genes and cluster-specific markers to prioritize biological pathways and candidate genes for downstream investigation

• Perform differential expression and pathway enrichment analysis using decoupleR, clusterProfiler, and GSEA

• Perform image stitching and alignment using ImageJ and Loupe Browser for spatial preprocessing

• Integrate multi-sample spatial datasets to enable scalable normalization, clustering, and cross-sample comparison

• Develop protocol-specific systems and documents including process flows, training manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Maintain subject level documentation and prepares documents, equipment and/or supplies

• Provide the biostatistical/data science expertise and leadership in study design, study oversight, data management, data analysis and manuscript preparation to assist all levels of biomedical investigators and clinicians on new research activities across a wide range of disciplines

• Provide mentorship to collaborators, trainees, and team members

• Acts as a subject matter expert and authority in the areas of data management and data analysis

• Serve as an expert resource to PIs and other stakeholders

Bioinformatics Programming 20%

• Assist with the design and development of major bioinformatics-related programming projects

• Write custom scripts to access databases, analyze data, and create reproducible visual representations of results

• Write custom web tools for PIs and other stakeholders

Laboratory support 20%

• Collaborate on the preparation and presentation of data for publications in peer-reviewed journals, ensuring clarity and adherence to publication standards.

• Assist Team Leads, Supervisors, and management in developing and implementing effective processes, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives that enhance team performance.

• Develop and disseminate a variety of tools designed to access relevant clinical and sample data

• Provide guidance and training to junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

• Identify and analyze operational efficiency issues, communicating findings and recommendations to leadership for informed decision-making.

• Proactively identify and recommend training and development opportunities for both new hires and existing team members to enhance skill sets and performance.

• Provides input and feedback to leadership on team members’ overall performance, opportunities for development, and process improvement initiatives

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics, Data Science or a related field and four years 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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Advanced knowledge of basic statistical principles relevant in medical research

• Experience with spatial transcriptomics platforms (10x Genomics Visium, Visium HD, and/or Xenium)

• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems and apply quantitative analytical approaches

• Demonstrated fluency in one or more programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Perl, Java, C++) and willingness to learn new programming languages as necessary

• Familiarity with statistical analytical concepts and methods

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution

• Outstanding customer service skills

• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion

• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology medical terminology

• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously within rigorous timelines

• Potential to work independently with minimal supervision and in a team atmosphere

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with 10x Genomics Xenium Prime 5K spatial transcriptomics platform

• Experience with single-cell RNA-seq analysis and integration with spatial data (Seurat, spacexr/RCTD)

#UWDeptMedicineJobs

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$80,244.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$132,612.00 annual

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

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 .