Scientist I – Synthetic Morphogenesis

The mission of Allen Institute for Cell Science is to develop a comprehensive and holistic approach to measure, describe, and model cell states and their dynamic changes over time. Our ultimate goal is to uncover the fundamental principles of multiscale, multicellular morphogenesis, including how groups of cells organize and achieve collective behaviors essential for life. Our approach encompasses multi-modal data collection including live 3D timelapse imaging, data analysis, theory, and predictions to understand cell states and cell state transitions in human induced pluripotent stem cell models. As a division within the Allen Institute, the Allen Institute for Cell Science uses a team-oriented approach, focusing on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a transformational impact on science. We seek a motivated and versatile Scientist with excellent genome engineering, quantitative biology, and modeling skills for an interdisciplinary role at the forefront of synthetic biology.

The scientist will contribute to a new effort to explore a new realm augmenting our institute-wide efforts to measure, describe, model and predict cellular state dynamics, and that is to program these state changes with synthetic biological circuits conferring morphogenetic cell behaviors in human iPS cells. This project will be part of a collaboration with the laboratory of Michael Elowitz (California Institute of Technology), who will co-advise the successful candidate. The project will involve designing synthetic biological modules that control the specification, dynamics, and spatial patterning of cellular states and enable multicellular morphogenesis to understand and control behaviors associated with cellular morphogenesis in 3D multicellar stem cell cultures. These modules may include combinations of multistable circuits, cell-adhesion proteins, signaling systems, and effectors of cellular shapes and movements. This position will require experience and creativity with experimental and quantitative analysis approaches as they relate to cell and developmental biology. The successful candidate will collaborate within the team to perform experiments and analyses and will also lead manuscript preparation. They will also actively collaborate and ideate with other members of the synthetic biology community at large, who will help guide priorities and identify exciting new directions. This position is term-limited to three years to encourage applicants interested in ownership of programs they can further develop with future funding as independent investigators.

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

• Design biological circuits that provide new developmental functions
• Develop mathematical modeling approaches for circuit design and prediction of cellular and multicellular behaviors
• Work closely with a team of scientists at the Allen Institute for Cell Science to build all aspects of the project
• Lead manuscript preparation efforts as primary author, as well as grant applications if/when strategic opportunities are identified and agree on in consultation with larger leadership team
• Prioritize and perform molecular engineering, cell line engineering, imaging and analyses as needed for project development
• Assist in generating, maintaining and quality-control testing engineered hiPS lines for Synthetic Morphogenesis programs
• Assist cross-functional research activities involving various experimental and computational teams
• Adhere to SOPs and workflows with meticulous documentation
• Collaboratively innovate and strategize research directions within Synthetic Morphogenesis
• Summarize and present data internally and externally as needed, via presentation and publication
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team and within a program/project management infrastructure to achieve project goals
• Properly handle hazardous chemicals

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform 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

• PhD in molecular, cell biology, bioengineering, or a related biological life science, or equivalent combination of degree and experience. For example, Physics PhDs experienced in biology are welcome
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture

Preferred Education and Experience

• Hands-on experience with human stem cell culture
• Extensive hands-on experience and/or high interest level in molecular biology, cell engineering, developmental biology and synthetic biology
• Hands-on experience with cutting edge genome engineering methods
• Hands-on experience in mathematical modeling of biological systems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and passion for collaborating within a team-based environment

Work Environment:

• May enter laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards

Physical Demands:

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• This role is an onsite role. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., Seattle, WA. Flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis as needed and approved by supervisor.

Additional Comments

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

Annualized Salary Range

• $84,900 - $105,050*

* 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 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 Institute's 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 accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities