Research Associate I – Pipeline Microscopy

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.

The mission of the Allen Institute for Cell Science is to create multi-scale visual models of cell organization, dynamics, and activities. Our approach encompasses large scale data collection, observation, theory, and predictions to understand cellular behavior in normal and pathological contexts. 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.

The goal of the Pipeline Microscopy team is to develop and implement a scalable pipeline of image-based assays of cell organization, activity, and function, and generate standardized and reproducible dataset. We are seeking a technically competent and enthusiastic Research Associate to join the team and be responsible for the maintenance, expansion and quality control of many gene edited human inducible Pluripotent Stem Cell on an automated tissue culture platform. The Research Associate will be responsible for sample and image data production for cell biology studies aimed at understanding cell behavior in its normal, pathological and regenerative contexts. The ideal candidate has a strong background in automation process, stem cell biology and live cell imaging.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Essential Functions

• Assist in developing and automating robust protocols and image-based workflows for cell culture and 3D live cell image using motorized equipment for the study of cell organization, dynamics, activities, and function
• Collaborate with other teams in the institute to scale-up protocols and workflow into highly standardized and reproducible microscopy pipeline
• Maintain rigorous quality control standards
• Maintain meticulous records and work closely with other scientists to coordinate complex experiments
• Adhere to SOPs, GLPs and regulatory requirements
• Participate in data analysis using R or Python
• Participate in manuscript writing and figure generation

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 bioengineering or a related biological life science field

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2 years of relevant research experience
• Hands on experience with cell culture
• Hands on experience with live cell imaging
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong organization skills and careful attention to details
• Able to follow instructions and protocols precisely and reliably
• Able to create new protocol and related documentation independently
• Able to work independently and in a collaborative team environment
• Strong background in stem cell biology
• Hands on experience with process automation and robotic liquid handler
• Experience with confocal and spinning disk microscopes
• Experience with 3D live-cell imaging techniques
• Ability to multi-task and reassign priorities as needed of dynamic demands
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruction
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific findings to internal and external groups
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific journal articles

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; lab equipment (cell culture, pipetting)

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Rotating evening and weekend on-call coverage
• This role is currently working onsite and remotely when possible, due to COVID-19 and our focus on employee safety. We continue to evaluate the safest options for our employees.

Travel

• Attendance and participation in national and international conferences required (i.e. help prepare posters and presentations and present at conferences.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• In keeping with our focus on employee safety, all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. All employees will be required to keep their vaccination status up to date according to CDC guidance and our policy.

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.