Careers

Description:

Position Title: Research Assistant (RA)
Quarter(s): Winter & Spring Quarters 2026
Supervising Faculty: Magali Blanco; https://www.deohs.washington.edu/faculty/magali-blanco
Start Date:  ASAP (please see below how mid-quarter start date will affect winter quarter salary and benefits)
End Date: The position is expected to continue through June 15, 2026, with possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance.
Application Deadline: March 11, 2026
Estimated Weekly Hours: 20hrs (50% FTE)

 About the Lab

The Blanco lab (www.deohs.washington.edu/faculty/magali-blanco) in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington has an outstanding opportunity for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join their team. Dr. Blanco’s lab applies quantitative, data-driven methods in environmental epidemiology to investigate the health effects of environmental exposures. Current research focuses on air pollution, heat, pesticides, and community exposures, examining aging outcomes as well as other health outcomes.

Position Description  

The graduate research assistant will support a range of environmental health research projects. Responsibilities include collecting and managing publicly available environmental and population health data, conducting literature reviews on environmental epidemiology, and assisting with statistical analyses using R. This position offers excellent opportunities to develop quantitative research skills while contributing to ongoing environmental epidemiology studies.

Position duties

• Collect, compile, and manage publicly available environmental and health datasets from sources such as EPA monitoring networks, Census data, and other public repositories
• Conduct systematic and scoping literature reviews on health outcomes from air pollution, heat, pesticides, and/or related topics
• Assist with quality assurance and quality control of environmental and health data
• Conduct and support statistical analyses using R, including data cleaning, visualization, and basic statistical modeling
• Update and develop R code for data processing and analysis workflows
• Assist with manuscript preparation and editing, including creating tables and figures
• Participate in regular lab meetings and provide updates on research activities and project progress

 Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled graduate student (MS or PhD) with training in public health, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, biostatistics, or related field
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Coursework in epidemiology and/or biostatistics
• Experience with R programming or demonstrated ability to learn quickly
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing and analyzing environmental or health datasets
• Familiarity with GIS or spatial analysis tools in R
• Prior experience conducting systematic literature reviews
• Knowledge of environmental health research methods
• Experience with version control (e.g., Git/GitHub)

Eligibility

Must be a current graduate student and registered for at least 10 credits during the quarter of employment.

Salary and Terms of Employment: 

• Research Assistantship pays a stipend that varies depending on graduate level as indicated on the UW RA Salary Chart.
• This position will not be backdated and will be paid at a Schedule 2 salary rate for the remainder of winter quarter 2026. It will not include tuition or health benefits for the remainder of this quarter.
• Starting spring quarter, this 50% FTE Research Assistantship will pay a stipend at Schedule 1 salary rate, and include tuition and health benefits.
• Research Assistants are required to register for a minimum of 10 credits in the quarter that they hold the position.
• Starting spring quarter 2026, the operating fee (including tuition) will be paid by the department. However, the successful applicant will be responsible for paying any additional student fees.
• Graduate Appointee accident/sickness insurance will be provided.
• This job classification is governed by a negotiated labor contract and is subject to union shop provisions.

How to Apply:

How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a brief statement of interest (1 page), CV or resume, unofficial transcript, 1-2 writing samples (e.g., course paper, report, or manuscript), and the names of two professional references. Please send materials and inquiries by the deadline listed above, to Dr. Magali Blanco at magali@uw.edu with subject line "RA Application - [Your Name]".

More Information about This Position:   This job classification is governed by a negotiated labor contract and is subject to union shop provisions. For more information about union shop provisions, visit:

http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/jobs/apl/union-info.html 

Non-discrimination Statement: The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran. This policy applies to all programs and facilities, including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs, employment, and patient and hospital services. Any discriminatory action can be a cause for disciplinary action. Discrimination is prohibited by Washington State Gubernatorial Executive Orders 89-01 and 93-07, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Washington State Law Against Discrimination RCW 49.60, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, State of Washington Gender Equity in Higher Education Act of 1989, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972 as amended, other federal and state statutes, regulations, and University policy. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action compliance efforts at the University of Washington are coordinated by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, University of Washington, 4320 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle WA 98195-4969, Box 354960, telephone(206) 543-3392 or email eoaa@uw.edu.

Access Statement: The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206.543.6450/V, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or dso@uw.edu.