Research Associate II – Experimental Immunology

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 Allen Institute for Immunology is advancing 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 Allen Institute for Immunology is seeking a Research Associate II (RA-II) to join a team focused on investigating human immune responses in health and disease. We are utilizing a multi-omic approach to comprehensively evaluate the immune system in the setting of autoimmunity, cancer, and infection. The RA-II will be part of a multi-disciplinary team and will support the development and use of human immune cell functional assays, cell culture systems, flow cytometry assays, etc. as well as participating in the general operation and maintenance of the laboratory. Experience with a broad range of immunology, cell biology, and molecular biology techniques (i.e. immune cell function, lentiviral transduction, transfection, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, transient protein expression, etc.) and the ability to read and interpret scientific literature are skills that would be a strong plus for this position. Opportunities exist for the exceptional candidate to actively contribute to the analysis and interpretation of data from our longitudinal healthy, autoimmune, and cancer cohorts as well as to cross-train in molecular biology techniques such as single cell sequencing.

The RA-II would be responsible for executing a wide variety of laboratory tasks and/or experiments in a high-quality production environment following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). A successful candidate possesses excellent attention to detail and eagerness to work effectively in a Team Science, deadline-driven atmosphere.

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

• Processing and culture of primary human immune cells from blood, bone marrow and biopsy specimens as well as culture of diverse cell lines
• Development and execution of functional testing in human immune cells
• Use and interpretation of high-complexity, multicolor flow cytometry to characterize the numbers, state, and function of human immune cells
• Use of platforms to measure protein expression and function (ELISA, MSD, Bead array, Western blotting, etc.)
• Use of Microscopy to evaluate cell morphology and function
• Follow standard operation procedures and good laboratory practices
• Meet experimental and data production schedules
• Keep excellent experimental records
• Support discovery and hypothesis-driven projects as a part of the Experimental Immunology core team

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 field
• 2+ years of relevant post-undergraduate research experience
• Background in Immunology with a working knowledge of immune cell types and functions, cytokines and chemokines, and intracellular signaling mechanisms in immune cells
• Experience with cell culture techniques, especially relating to T, B, NK, myeloid, and/or APC cells
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometers and data analysis using FlowJo or equivalent

Preferred Education and Experience

• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
• Master’s degree or equivalent education + experience
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Excellent work ethic displayed as a reliable, self-motivated, enthusiastic team player
• 1+ year experience working in a GLP or CLIA regulated environment
• Experience with data analysis software packages like GraphPad Prism or equivalent preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and to prioritize and balance multiple complex projects and tasks

Work Environment

• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)
• 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

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers, other office equipment, repetitive motion with lab equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This is an essential job and expected to report for work regardless of weather and/or other conditions
• Occasional evening and weekend hours 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 the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity does not offer work visa sponsorship**

Annualized Salary Range

• $58,950 - $78,600*

* 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.