Research Associate – Image-based Assay Developer

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 is to develop scalable, quantitative image-based assays of cell organization, activity, and function, and to generate initial data and analyses of these assays. This Research Associate I would contribute to developing robust cell-based assays of key cellular activities amenable to scale-up and integration into live-cell high-throughput microscopy pipelines. The role includes cell culturing of undifferentiated hiPS cells and fluorescence microscopy-based imaging of hiPSC and hiPSC undergoing mesodermal-directed differentiation including support of imaging automation and pipeline image acquisition. The role also includes assisting in cell biological quality control of gene-edited hiPS cell lines generated by the institute using western blotting, immunofluorescence, live-cell microscopy, and general development of cell-based assays. This role requires cross-team interaction with the Institute’s technical and programmatic teams to achieve the Institute’s matrixed, programmatic objectives.

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 robust protocols and reproducible image-based assays of cell organization, dynamics, activities, and function
• Assist in cell culture operations for image-based assay development, working closely with other teams at the Institute
• Assist in cell biological quality control workflow for gene-edited hiPS cells
• Assist in microscope-based data collection and analysis of assay observations
• Collaborate with other teams in the institute to scale-up protocols into a high throughput microscopy pipeline
• Maintain rigorous quality control standards
• Maintain meticulous records and work closely with other scientists to coordinate complex experiments
• Adherence to SOPs, GLPs and regulatory requirements
• Contribute to the implementation of an image management system
• Coordinate with other programs in the Institute to ensure seamless integration and sharing of resources and data

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 required in a biological science, physics, chemistry, or related field
• 3 months of hands-on cell culture experience
• 3 months of hands-on microscopy experience
• Experience performing image-based cell biological assays
• Experience performing standard cell biology techniques (including western blotting and immunofluorescence)

Preferred Education and Experience

• 3 months to 2 years of experience preferred
• Background in cell biology
• Experience with stem cell tissue culture
• Proficiency in microscopy, especially with confocal and spinning disk microscopes
• Experience with 3D live-cell imaging techniques
• 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
• Excellent organization and attention to detail
• 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

Work Environment

• Work will be conducted in a laboratory environment, including potential exposure to hazardous materials, biohazards, and lasers

Physical Demands

• Sitting or standing for up to 2 hours at a time at a tissue culture hood, microscope, or desk
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to manipulate culture plates and pipettors
• Push/pull up to 50 lbs on a cart
• Stooping, bending, crouching into incubators, freezers, refrigerators
• Reaching into incubators, freezers, and refrigerators

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., with the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.

Additional Comments

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

Annualized Salary Range

• $52,400 - $64,150*

* 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.