Job Description

Research Associate II – Stem Cell & In Vivo Biology

The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health. Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.

Join the Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology (SeaHub), a new initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and start-up style execution. Our mission is to reimagine living cells and genomes as devices for recording biology and diagnostic information over time, as well as for encoding real-time therapeutic decision-making. Take off with us as we imagine — and create — a kind of cellular flight recorder that can also seize the controls. Be part of a small dynamic team on the ground floor of a new program with world-class scientists.

SeaHub is looking for a Research Associate to join our “In Vivo” team, responsible for expanding our ability to analyze DNA recording in stem cells and whole organisms. The “In Vivo” team is part of a larger effort that includes teams focused on expanding our abilities to engineer cells and genomes to autonomously “Sense,” “Write,” “Read,” and “Act” at a molecular level. The Research Associate will be working in the laboratory on a daily basis to establish cell lines and mouse strains that can write synthetic records in DNA, e.g., using DNA Typewriter, and to evaluate recording performance in mice.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Essential Functions

• Establish murine embryonic stem cell (mESC) lines for blastocyst injection and biological recording analyses, including mammalian stem cell culture, nucleofection and/or lipofection, clone isolation, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, sequencing analysis
• Perform biological recording experiments in mice, including tissue collection, genomics analysis (e.g., RNA-seq, single cell RNA-seq), qPCR, Western blotting, histology, antibody staining, and microscopy
• Troubleshoot technical barriers to progress in the establishment, maintenance, and genetic modification of multiple murine embryonic stem cell lines and murine strains
• Review and analyze data, participating in quality control and troubleshooting of processes and results
• Contribute to the development of new protocols as needed
• Present results and summarize progress to help frame internal decision-making
• Comply with SOPs, good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements
• Adhere to a team schedule and individual time management
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation using established methods
• Other duties as assigned

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field
• 2 years of laboratory experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2 - 5 years of laboratory experience
• Experience performing cell biology methods including mammalian cell culture, murine embryonic stem cell culture, primary cell culture, nucleofection, lipofection, and Western blots
• Track-record of being an effective team member
• Competence and ability to work in a molecular biology/cell culture laboratory
• Experience with massively parallel reporter assays, CRISPR/Cas9/prime editing, mouse husbandry
• Experience performing molecular biology methods including DNA isolation, RNA isolation, and PCR

Work Environment

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or reach
• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals
• Laboratory environment - possible lasers, chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure

Travel

• The successful applicant may be invited to attend occasional national and international conferences

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 700 Dexter Ave N., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• All employees who work with live animals must complete an Occupational Health medical history form and/or consultation with an Occupational Health Provider and receive clearance to work with animals. Depending on your health history and job responsibilities, an annual respiratory health screening and clearance to use a respirator may also be required.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity offers work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

• $64,200 - $78,600 *

* Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and work location, where applicable.

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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