Research Associate II – Spatial Biology and NGS Technologies (Project-Term)

The mission of the Allen Institute is to understand the principles that govern life and to advance health. Our creative and multi-dimensional teams focus on answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience. We accelerate foundational research, catalyze bold ideas, develop tools and models, and openly share our science to make a broad, transformational impact on the world.

The mission of the Allen Institute for Immunology is to advance the fundamental understanding of human immunology through the study of immune health and diseases where excessive or impaired immune responses drive pathological processes. The Institute will employ a multi-disciplinary team approach in collaboration with academic centers of human immunology to generate novel mechanistic insights into the immune system in health and in diseases such as autoimmunity or oncology. The Institute will simultaneously provide a foundational data set and tools for future immunological research as well as a novel collaboration portal for the broader scientific community.

The Research Associate II (RAII) will be part of a multi-disciplinary team and will be responsible for performing core immunology and molecular biology techniques for the Allen Institute in a standardized, high throughput manner. These assays will include single cell RNA sequencing, single cell epigenetic profiling of human immune cells, and Spatial Biology Multi-omics. Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for recognizing process deviations, participating in troubleshooting, and operation of complex laboratory instrumentation. The Research Associate II is expected to work within a team environment to tailor molecular biology assays to support hypothesis driven research. A successful candidate possesses excellent attention to detail and the eagerness to work in a team science, timeline-driven atmosphere. Opportunities exist for the exceptional candidate to actively contribute to technology development and the analysis of data from our longitudinal healthy, autoimmune, and cancer cohorts.

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.

This position is full-time and of a limited duration, with an expected end date of March 27, 2026.

Essential Functions

• Perform single cell RNA sequencing and single cell epigenetic profiling (ATAC and/or CUT&Tag) following standardized operating procedures (SOPs)
• Perform assays and validation of cutting edge spatial multi-omics platforms
• Optimize assays and define efficient workflows
• Operate liquid handling instruments and other instrumentation
• Perform Quality Control (QC) assays and where necessary
• Meet experimental and data generation schedules and QC deliverables
• Maintain and follow proper laboratory documentation (ELN and LIMS)
• Prepare Standard Operating procedure (SOP) and worksheet documents
• Support team members
• Validate equipment and tracking tools
• Support proof-of-concept projects as a part of the Molecular Biology core team
• Summarize and present lab results to team members and project stakeholders

*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 a life science discipline
• 2 years of related experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in NGS technologies, single cell RNA transcriptomics, Spatial Biology platforms
• Experience with liquid handling robots
• Experience with a LIMS system
• Excellent work ethic displayed as a reliable, self-motivated, enthusiastic team player
• 1+ year experience working in a GLP or CLIA regulated environment
• Experience and initiative in learning new technologies
• Background in immunology; working knowledge of cell types and functional assays
• Demonstrated ability to improve processes
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Proven problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Work Environment

• Will enter laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards, BSL2 lab

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Bench top lab work requires repetitive multi-channel pipetting, single channel pipetting, computer data entry, and working in PCR and BSC hoods

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required
• 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 615 Westlake Ave N., with flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

Annualized Salary Range

• $ 65,500 - $ 80,150*

* 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.