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Basic Research Scientist Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Research Scientist III Job Location: Seattle, Washington Job Number: AMZ10061595 Position ... BASIC QUALIFICATIONS Position Requirements: Master's degree or foreign equivalent degree in ...

Basic computational comfort for organizing data, plotting results, and working with standard lab ... UAW Research About the UW Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to ...

Field of Research: Computational biology/bioinformatics with emphasis on spatial transcriptomics ... Python (numpy/pandas), basic R (Seurat/tidyverse), bash; Git; Linux. 2. NGS data processing:

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Basic Research Scientist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$57.5K

$148.2K

$198.1K

How much do basic research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for basic research scientist in Seattle, WA is $148,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,400.00 and $197,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Basic Research Scientist vs Applied Research Scientist?

AspectBasic Research ScientistApplied Research Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in relevant sciencesBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in relevant sciences
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesLaboratories, industry R&D departments, corporate settings
Industry UsageAcademic, government, research-focused organizationsCommercial, product development, industry-focused
Research FocusFundamental understanding, theory, and principlesPractical application, product development, solutions

Basic Research Scientists primarily focus on fundamental scientific questions and advancing knowledge without immediate commercial goals. In contrast, Applied Research Scientists work on translating scientific discoveries into practical applications and products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate, but their end goals and work environments differ significantly.

What do I need to be a basic research scientist?

To become a basic research scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or physics is required, with many roles requiring a master's or Ph.D. for advanced research positions. Strong analytical skills, proficiency with laboratory equipment and data analysis tools, and experience in experimental design are also important. Additionally, research scientists often need to publish findings and stay current with scientific literature.

What do basic research scientists do on a daily basis?

Basic research scientists conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop theories to advance scientific knowledge in their field. They often work in laboratories or research facilities, using specialized tools and methods, and may collaborate with other scientists or publish findings regularly.

What is a basic research scientist?

A basic research scientist conducts fundamental scientific studies to increase understanding of natural phenomena, often working in laboratories or academic settings. They design experiments, analyze data, and publish findings, typically requiring strong analytical skills and knowledge of scientific methods and tools.
Infographic showing various Basic Research Scientist job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,160 per year, or $71.2 per hour.

Research Scientist/Engineer 1

University of Washington

Seattle, WA • On-site, Remote

$61K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Washington School Of Medicine rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

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82nd of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description
The Department of Microbiology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer 1 to join their team.
About this Opportunity
Reporting to the professor, the Research Scientist/Engineer 1 purpose is manage to investigate antibiotic resistance in clinical samples of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The candidate will also aid in processing of clinical sputum samples including, culturing, species identification, and genotyping. The candidate will also work on preparing and screening transposon libraries for resistance phenotypes. The desired candidate will be very meticulous and have impeccable organizational skills, have experience culturing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and making and working with transposon library, and be able to interpret and communicate results in lab meetings. The RSE-1 will use his/her laboratory skills and clinical laboratory experience to work with investigators, technicians, and support personnel in assuring compliance with established laboratory practices, and to assist in drafting and updating Standard Operating Procedures for ongoing and new research protocols. Familiarity with a wide variety of laboratory equipment and techniques will be necessary in order to maximize the function of this shared laboratory.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Bench Work (67%):
  • Investigate alternative mechanisms which can lead to antibiotic failure including antagonism and heteroresistance. Perform traditional MIC testing including broth microdilution, E-test, and Efficiency of plating assays. Prepare and test transposon libraries for transient resistance. Use ddPCR to investigate gene copy number. Isolate and characterize bacteria and prepare DNA from clinical samples. Assist laboratory members with experiments. Prepare laboratory reagents.

Processing of sputum samples (20%):
  • Collect, process, and culture bacteria from sputum. Basic molecular biology, including DNA preparation, qPCR, ddPCR. Inform lab members on proper clinical sample processing based on current medical laboratory science guidelines.

Other Research Laboratory Duties (13%):
  • Restock laboratory supplies. Participate in laboratory meetings and establish ownership of research projects. Perform related duties as assigned.

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
  • Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or Medical Lab sciences or related field and
  • One year of relevant experience in microbiology, bacterial culture, antimicrobial resistance testing, or clinical sample processing.
  • Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager
Additional Qualifications
  • Experience working with Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates.
  • Experience investigating heteroresistance including detecting gene duplication. Including methods for investigating unstable and induced antibiotic resistance.
  • Experience creating, verifying, and testing transposon libraries for antibiotic resistance.
  • Experience with culturing Pseudomonas aeruginosa from sputum, clinical sample processing, and knowledge of proper medical laboratory science techniques.
  • Experience with identifying and characterizing Psedudomonas aeruginosa including phenotypic analysis, molecular analysis, and MIC testing using a variety of assays.
  • Experience with standard molecular biological techniques including cloning, bacterial conjugation, electroporation, DNA isolation, PCR, qPC

Preferred Qualifications
  • One year or more of experience working in microbiology lab.
  • ASPC board certification, and/or degree in medical laboratory science.
  • Effective communication and record keeping skills.
  • Interest in chronic infections and antibiotic resistance.
  • Experience with meticulous sample labeling and processing to ensure samples are not lost or mislabeled.
  • Experience reading and using scientific literature to develop new protocols in consultation with other researchers in the lab.
  • Experience communicating findings to a scientific audience including presentation of posters or other material at conferences.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$60,000.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum:
$61,200.00 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.

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