- I like trying new recipes and enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors in the kitchen
- Avid Reader, member of the Best Seattle Book Club
- I love difficult jigsaw puzzles
Rachael Zigweid
Research Scientist
Seattle,WA
Summary
Dynamic Research Scientist with extensive experience at Seattle Children's Research Institute, specializing in protein production and purification. Proven ability to mentor junior scientists and optimize biochemical assays, enhancing project outcomes. Skilled in data analysis and scientific writing, with a strong foundation in molecular biology techniques. Committed to advancing research through collaboration and innovation.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Scientist I
Seattle Children's Research Institute
12.2023 - 09.2025
- Conducted biochemical fluorescent assay to test N-myristoyltransferase protein activity and inhibition
- Performed research into study topics to increase knowledge and to provide valuable contributions.
- Expressed and purified N-myristoyltransferase proteins for biochemical assay
- Maintained reagent inventory and prepared aliquots for biochemical assay
- Mentored junior scientists in biochemical assay protocol and analysis
- Collaborated with team members to develop research methodologies and objectives.
- Maintained accurate records of experimental procedures and results.
- Prepared presentations on findings to communicate results effectively.
- Maintained Sf9 cell line
- Assisted with additional laboratory duties, such as stocking and reagent preparation
Research Technician II
Seattle Children's Research Institute
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Conducted biochemical fluorescent assay to test N-myristoyltransferase protein activity and inhibition
- Expressed and purified N-myristoyltransferase protein for biochemical assay
- Maintained reagent inventory and prepared aliquots for biochemical assay
- Collaborated internationally and locally on biochemical assay execution and results
- Guided student intern through Undergraduate Research Project related to biochemical assay
- Assisted in data collection and analysis, contributing to project milestones and deadlines
- Shared responsibility for Protein Production Pipeline
- Expedited shipment requests for proteins and other biological samples and maintained protein inventory via online database
- Documented experimental procedures and results accurately in lab notebooks for future reference.
Research Technician I
Seattle Children's Research Institute
04.2018 - 01.2020
- Responsible for Protein Production Pipeline
- Maintained pellet inventory via online database
- Completed purification reports and posted to online database
- Expedited shipment request for proteins and biological samples and tracked progress updates and protein inventory via online database
- Performed biochemical fluorescence-based assay inhibition assay of N-Myristoyltransferase protein under the guidance of senior lab member
- Optimized expression and purification of N-myristoyltransferase proteins to improve solubility, yield, and purity
- Designed, expressed, and purified site-directed mutants for surface entropy reduction, resulting in a 0.99Å structure of a Mycobacterium ulcerans Dihydrofolate Reductase C89S mutant
- Developed and maintained detailed documentation for experimental protocols and results.
- Assisted in general lab duties such as media and reagent preparation, stocking, and cleaning
- Assisted in training student interns
Lead Server, Cocktail Server
Mexico Cantina Y Cocina
08.2008 - 05.2019
- Managed high volume dining periods with effective time management and strong multitasking abilities
- Coordinated large group reservations, working closely with event planners to ensure seamless execution of special occasions
- Kept personal bank accurate through correct billing, payment processing, and cash management practices
- Trained and mentored new team members on menu knowledge and service protocols
- Kept updated knowledge of menu and promotions, recommending specific items according to preferences and food allergies
- Wrote and implemented training packet with daily POS system mock entries, food tasting, and menu quizzes
- Coordinated scheduling and workflow among staff to optimize efficiency during peak hours
- Collaborated with managers on employee scheduling needs, helping maintain optimal coverage during peak hours without sacrificing quality of service
- Supported other staff members during busy shifts by stepping in wherever needed to maintain smooth operations
- Oversaw daily operations of service team, delegated and signed-off on daily shift tasks
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
Student Intern
Center for Infectious Disease Research
09.2016 - 03.2017
- 253.5 hours accumulated
- Assisted in purification of 79 SSGCID Tier 1 proteins via lysis and nickel-affinity chromatography
- Performed SDS-PAGE analysis on nickel-affinity purification fractions and prepared for size-exclusion chromatography
- Lysed samples for small-scale expression testing and performed SDS-PAGE to test for soluble expression
- Prepared media and LB/agar plates for E. coli culture
- Prepared buffers for protein purification and other requirements
- Prepared stock solutions and aliquots of necessary reagents such as TCEP, IPTG, and antibiotics
Server
Tony Roma's Restaurant
12.2005 - 08.2008
Server
Pizza Hut
10.2002 - 02.2005
Education
Certificate of Completion - Biotechnology Lab Specialist
Shoreline Community College
Shoreline03-2017
Bachelor of Science - Biology: Cellular, Molecular, Developmental
University of Washington
Seattle, WA12-2008
Skills
- Laboratory techniques
- Data analysis, interpretation
- Research planning
- Training and mentoring
- Analytical thinking
- Multitasking Abilities
- MS Excel
- Protein production, expression: Bacterial (E coli), mammalian (HEK293), insect (Sf9)
- Protein purification: FPLC (AKTA, UNICORN)
- Molecular biology: cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, PCR, biochemical assays, Gibson Assembly
- Media and reagent preparation
- Scientific writing
Interests
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Timeline
Research Scientist I
Seattle Children's Research Institute
12.2023 - 09.2025
Research Technician II
Seattle Children's Research Institute
01.2020 - 12.2023
Research Technician I
Seattle Children's Research Institute
04.2018 - 01.2020
Student Intern
Center for Infectious Disease Research
09.2016 - 03.2017
Lead Server, Cocktail Server
Mexico Cantina Y Cocina
08.2008 - 05.2019
Server
Tony Roma's Restaurant
12.2005 - 08.2008
Server
Pizza Hut
10.2002 - 02.2005
Certificate of Completion - Biotechnology Lab Specialist
Shoreline Community College
Bachelor of Science - Biology: Cellular, Molecular, Developmental
University of Washington
Similar Profiles
Vaughn D ShepherdVaughn D Shepherd
Research Scientist II - GMP at Seattle Children's Research InstituteResearch Scientist II - GMP at Seattle Children's Research Institute
Sujin LimSujin Lim
Immunotherapy Researcher at Seattle Children's Research InstituteImmunotherapy Researcher at Seattle Children's Research Institute
Carinne DeMaioCarinne DeMaio
Program Manager II at Seattle Children's Research InstituteProgram Manager II at Seattle Children's Research Institute
Violette MitchellViolette Mitchell
Baker/Server at CinnaholicBaker/Server at Cinnaholic
Cheyenne RoseCheyenne Rose
Patient Access Representative at Kaiser PermanentePatient Access Representative at Kaiser Permanente