Research Associate II – Synthetic Biology and Signal Transduction / SeaHub

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 us in the creation of a new initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and industrial 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.

We seek a Research Associate to join our “Sense” team, responsible for expanding our ability to translate biological signals into synthetic records in genomic DNA. The “Sense” team is part of a larger effort that includes teams focused on expanding our abilities to engineer cells and genomes to autonomously “Write,” “Read,” and “Act” at a molecular level. We are looking for a highly skilled molecular biologist with a strong background in synthetic biology to expand our ability to translate biological signals into synthetic records in genomic DNA.

At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly. We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Essential Functions

• Conduct experiments daily to improve performance of artificial signal transduction capabilities, using genome engineering, molecular biology, cell culture, and genomics methods
• Perform mammalian cell culture, including with primary human cells and transfecting/transducing multiple types of cells
• Conduct molecular biology tasks, including cloning libraries and NGS preparation
• Collaborate with external vendors to acquire necessary resources
• Troubleshoot technical barriers to progress in artificial signal transduction
• Maintain a detailed electronic lab notebook
• Present results and summarize progress to help frame internal decision-making

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 equivalent experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2 to 5 years equivalent experience
• Experience performing molecular biology methods including as many as possible of: RNA isolation, RT-PCR, CRISPR/Cas9-editing, plasmid cloning, agarose and acrylamide gel analysis, Western Blots, mammalian cell culture, stem cell culture, qPCR, ddPCR, reporter assays, and NGS library prep
• Track-record of being an effective team member
• Competence and ability to work in a molecular biology / cell culture laboratory
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9/prime editing
• Familiarity with signal transduction, cell signaling, RNA biology, genome engineering, synthetic biology, functional genomics and screening, or related disciplines

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office/lab equipment

Work Environment

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or reach
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substances

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite for the majority of the working hours. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for Allen Institute employees is 700 Dexter Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.

Travel

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

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity does not offer work visa sponsorship **
• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**

Annualized Salary Range

• $65,500 - $80,150 *

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

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outline 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.