Scientist I – Tech Development

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 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 employs 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 aims to 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 looking for an exceptional Scientist I to join its newly formed Innovation Center, an initiative aimed at facilitating collaborative science and disseminating technological capabilities both within and outside of the broader institute. This individual will be supporting the development and application of cutting-edge molecular technologies for the institute and in collaboration with outside partners to derive new insights into immune function both within the periphery and tissues. This role includes novel technology development and application across a variety of platforms, including single cell and spatial platforms.

Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for assessment of the current tools & gaps in the market, in-house technology development, participating in troubleshooting, and operation of complex laboratory instrumentation. Strong interpersonal skills will be an asset to the highly collaborative nature of the position. A successful candidate possesses excellent attention to detail and the eagerness to work in a Team Science, deadline-driven atmosphere. Key deliverables will include contributions to technology development & application, publications and patents.

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

• Support the development and adoption of novel technologies to drive biological insight. Examples include enhancing existing platforms through the addition of novel modalities and/or implementing perturbations of immune samples ahead of readout with a variety of technologies
• Participate in discussions to identify key research areas and gaps in existing technologies where novel solutions would have high impact. Keep current on technologies and identify potential gaps and opportunities to drive novel insight
• Design, perform experiments and analyze data to push forward technology development forward and derive new biological insights
• Collaborate with immunologists to develop and apply technologies or adapt workflows for novel mechanistic understanding in a variety of contexts
• Keep excellent experimental records and communicate progress in technology development

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

• Ph.D. or equivalent combination of degree and experience in a life sciences discipline

Preferred Education and Experience

• 0 – 5 years’ post Ph.D. experience in immunology including profiling immune cell function
• Experience working with fixed and live tissues and/or mammalian cell culture
• Proven success in troubleshooting and innovation on existing single cell omics platforms (for example 10x, Parse)
• Background in molecular biology with a working knowledge of assays to probe gene regulatory networks (for example, reporter screens, genetic manipulation [e.g. CrispR], in vitro perturbations, single cell technologies, spatial transcriptomics)
• Demonstrated impact in technology development and/or application of relevant technologies through publications or patents
• Working knowledge of spatial omics platforms (10x Visium, Xenium, Nanostring)
• Experience with in vitro immune cell manipulation (i.e stimulation, enrichment, cytokine mediated lineage specification, conditioned media or feeder cell co culture)
• Demonstrated ability to independently analyze data through coding languages (R, python, bash, version control)
• Experience with a LIMS system

Work Environment

• Working in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to lasers, biohazards

Physical Demands

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

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• May need to work outside of standard working hours at times
• 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 flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis. We are a Washington State employer; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.
• This is a limited term position expected to last through December 2025 based on business needs and funding

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 offers relocation assistance**

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 accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.