Research Associate I – Lab Animal Services

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 Administration team is to provide support and structure to the scientific divisions. Coinciding with the team science approach, administration helps facilitate team learning and the institute’s overall mission.

The Research Associate I is responsible for executing a variety of laboratory tasks and/or experiments in a high-throughput laboratory and animal care environment following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for recognizing and reporting process deviations, recognizing and reporting noncompliance with animal use protocols, and operation of complex laboratory instrumentation. The Research Associate I is expected to comply with regulatory requirements, adhere to SOPs and to work efficiently in a team environment. Excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail and the willingness to work in a deadline-driven atmosphere are mandatory. The Research Associate I is expected to work with little to no supervision on procedural tasks involving handling of mice.

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

• Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections
• Unwell animal triage
• Pre- and post-operative care for mice
• Follow SOPs, WIs, IACUC protocols, and regulatory requirements
• Perform SOP and non-SOP procedures under limited supervision and/or guidance
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and reporting using established methods
• Work with Supervisor to adhere to appropriate management and prioritization of tasks and time, including daily and weekly scheduling
• Communicate clearly and professionally with stakeholders, both in writing and verbally, regarding assigned tasks and responsibilities
• Perform daily vivarium maintenance, and any shift specific operational procedures after training
• 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 a life science required

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2+ years of related work experience and/or training
• AALAS certification is a plus
• Exceptional manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Knowledge of mouse genetics, anatomy, and behavior
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate level ability with MS Office, Office 365 and SharePoint
• Ability to learn other custom software systems (LIMS, LabTracks)
• Experience with creating and maintaining Power Apps and Power Automate

Work Environment

• Exposure and handling of laboratory animals required
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substances
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• Open office seating

Animal Care Services

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections
• Pre and post-operative care for mice
• Unwell animal triage
• Perform daily vivarium maintenance, and any shift specific operational procedures after training

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; lab equipment
• Push/pull up to 50lbs
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching, or climbing ladders Repetitive motion work in lab: Fine motor skills for precise tissue dissection, animal restraint, and compound administration

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. Seattle WA 98109
• Weekend work is required after completion of training
• Participation in a rotating on-call schedule is required after completion of training
• Employees will be assigned an 8-hour shift beginning anytime between 5:30am and 9:30am or weekend shift as needed to meet operational requirements
• Assigned shift may change when needed to meet operational requirements
• This is a critical job and expected to report for work regardless of weather and/or other conditions

Travel

• Occasional travel to local conferences

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 does not offer relocation assistance or visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

• $53,450 - $65,450*

* 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 accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.