Scientist I - Cellular Immunology, Tissue immunity, and Immune Microenvironment

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 will employ a multi-disciplinary team approach in collaboration with academic centers of human and mouse immunology to generate novel mechanistic insights into the immune synapse 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 seeks an innovative cellular immunologist to join a team focused on understanding and mapping the human immune system in health and disease. We are utilizing a multi-omic approach to comprehensively evaluate the interactions of the immune system and solid tissues, with a focus on the lungs and intestine in the setting of viral infection, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Specific responsibilities will include analysis and synthesis of data generated through our cellular, molecular and proteomic platforms, design and development of new assays, and in vitro and ex vivo immunologic studies to test existing and new hypotheses. The ability to function in a team to bring projects to completion on a timeline is essential.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in cellular immunology research, with a track record of both individual and team contributions in solving complex research problems. Strongest consideration will be given to candidates with a proven track record in identifying and progressing novel hypotheses forward in discovery research and/or translational settings. Direct experience with advanced approaches in deconstructing immunologic mechanisms (e.g. targeted mutagenesis using CRISPR/Cas9, lentiviral transduction, phenotypic screening, antibody-based immune modulation) is highly desired. Relevant experiences would also include familiarity with mouse models of viral infection or cancer, high-dimensional flow cytometry, molecular biology, single cell transcriptomics, epigenetics and tissue transcriptomics.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated team player who is willing to push the boundaries of immunology research through scientific investigation, individual and team contributions and continuing scholarship on the ever-changing immunological landscape. The successful candidate will also have excellent communication skills allowing them to effectively present complicated concepts internally and externally.

The Allen Institute offers exceptional working conditions, and nurtures diversity and team science in an intellectually rich and stimulating setting. We provide a highly collaborative research environment offering the opportunity to interface closely with our molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, computer scientists, and partner institutions. Everything we do begins with patients who are living with and suffering from immune disorders. We believe that by unlocking the mysteries of the immune system, we can make a significant improvement in patients’ health and wellbeing. Together, we will unravel key mechanistic pathways of the human immune system across autoimmune disease and cancer. For further details about the Institute’s research plans and partners, visit https://alleninstitute.org/what-we-do/immunology/.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences, and backgrounds. Progress in science benefits from multiple perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Essential Functions

• Analysis and synthesis of data generated through our cellular, molecular and proteomic platforms
• Design and development of new assays, in vitro and ex vivo immunologic studies, and utilization of genetic mouse models and/or mouse models of viral infection or cancer to test existing and new hypotheses
• Collaboration with a team to bring projects to completion on a timeline
• Perform as a self-motivated team player who is willing to push the boundaries of immunology research through scientific investigation, individual and team contributions and continuing scholarship on the ever-changing immunological landscape

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

• PhD in immunology or related disciplines, including cell or molecular biology, immunology, cell biology; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• A strong background in cellular immunology research, using mouse and human based approaches
• Working knowledge of the effects of kinetics and local microenvironments on cellular immune response tracking
• Strong record of cutting-edge research as evidenced by impactful publications
• Demonstrated excellence leading target discovery and validation efforts in a research or translational setting including proficiency in customizing common tools to meet specialized needs (e.g. flow cytometry, western blotting, immunoassays, antibody-dependent functional assays, and other bioassays)
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills and ability to effectively present complicated concepts internally and externally
• Able to work independently as well as in a collaborative fast-paced environment
• A proven track record in identifying and progressing novel hypotheses forward in discovery research and/or translational settings
• Direct experience with advanced approaches in deconstructing immunologic mechanisms (e.g. targeted mutagenesis using CRISPR/Cas9, lentiviral transduction, phenotypic screening, antibody-based immune modulation, cell culture, multi-parameter microscopy, pathology, etc.)
• Relevant experiences including familiarity with high-dimensional flow cytometry, CyTOF, single cell transcriptomics, epigenetics and tissue transcriptomics

Work Environment

• May enter laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, biohazards

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment

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 flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis. We are a Washington State employer; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.
• May need to work outside of standard working hours at times

Travel

• Strongly encouraged to attend two professional meetings per year to present, network and keep up on current science. This may require travel.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers work visa sponsorship **
• **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.