Research Technician II – Immunology Lab Operations

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 synapse 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 Allen Institute for Immunology is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Research Technician with an interest in human biology to support laboratory operations at the Allen Institute for Immunology. The Research Technician will be part of the laboratory operations team and will be responsible for performing various routine tasks to support the laboratory research staff, including but not limited to the accessioning of samples, material and reagent inventory management, and laboratory organization, cleaning and maintenance. The Research Technician is an entry level position responsible for executing a wide variety of laboratory and organizational tasks in a start-up environment. Good judgment, strong organizational and problem-solving skills are required to help support and maintain well-functioning laboratory processes. The Research Technician is expected to comply with regulatory requirements, adhere to numerous SOPs, and to work efficiently in a team environment. A successful candidate possesses excellent attention to detail, computer skills, and flexibility needed to work in a startup environment.

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

The Research Technician will be part of the laboratory operations team and be responsible for the following:

• Prepare sample collection kits and ship sample collection kits to collaborators
• Receipt of sample collection kits and storage of samples to appropriate storage locations, using a LIMS database system
• Maintain the laboratory inventory and perform routine inventory/stocking checks
• Receive orders and packages, and register any applicable reagents or material items to the LIMS database system, and store the contents appropriately
• Maintain laboratory organization and perform routine cleaning procedures
• Label and barcode laboratory supplies and containers as required

*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

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Beginner skill level with Excel formulas including pivot tables and charts
• 2 years of related work experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree preferred; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Problem solving skills
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to organize and prioritize work for timely completion
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to understand and follow instructions
• Excellent computer skills including the ability to learn new software programs quickly
• Positive attitude and ability to work with changing priorities and the needs of a newly established and growing institution
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Experience with a LIMS or similar laboratory information management system
• Experience with inventory management and use of an inventory management system

Work Environment

• BSL-2 level laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, chemicals or bio-hazardous materials

Physical Demands

• Laboratory support tasks involve lifting of packages or other large, bulky, or heavy items
• Bench top lab work requires repetitive tasks such as labeling tubes, plates, boxes, etc.
• Working with dry ice or liquid nitrogen
• Sample handling of the following material, including but not limited to: human whole blood, PBMC, Plasma, nucleic acids, and cells

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 615 Westlake Ave N.

Additional Comments

• Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas and has no relocation assistance

Annualized Salary Range

• $47,700 - $57,200 *

* 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.