Scientist I – Quantitative Cell Biologist - Molecular Engineering

The mission of Allen Institute for Cell Science is to develop a comprehensive and holistic approach to measure, describe, and model cell states and their dynamic changes over time. Our ultimate goal is to uncover the fundamental principles of multiscale, multicellular morphogenesis, including how groups of cells organize and achieve collective behaviors essential for life. Our approach encompasses multi-modal data collection including live 3D timelapse imaging, data analysis, theory, and predictions to understand cell states and cell state transitions in human induced pluripotent stem cell models. 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. We seek a motivated, team-oriented and versatile Scientist with excellent genome engineering, quantitative biology, and modeling skills for an interdisciplinary role at the forefront of cell science.

The scientist will help engineer hiPS cell lines with molecular reporters and endogenous genome edits to support imaging studies of cell state change. This may involve tagging, knocking out or knocking down endogenous genes, and/or constructing genetically encoded reporters of cellular state. The scientist will also collaboratively design and test synthetic biology modules to understand and control behaviors associated with cellular morphogenesis. These modules may include multistability circuits, cell-adhesion proteins, ligand/receptor pairs, and effectors of cellular shapes and movements. This position will require experience and creativity with both experimental and quantitative analysis approaches as they relate to cell and developmental biology. The successful candidate will directly perform experiments and analyses and may also supervise and train other team members.

At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly. We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Essential Functions

• Routinely perform molecular biology experiments, including PCR-based assays, molecular cloning and sequencing based assessment of genome editing outcomes
• Assist in generating, maintaining and quality-control testing engineered hiPS lines for scientific programs
• Perform experiments testing, implementing and optimizing genome engineering strategies in stem cells
• Assist cross-functional research activities involving various experimental and computational teams
• Adhere to SOPs and workflows with meticulous documentation
• Collaboratively innovate and strategize research directions within scientific programs
• Help the team remain current on cutting edge literature in cell science, especially molecular engineering and synthetic biology
• Assist in the management of external collaborations
• Summarize and present data internally and externally as needed, via presentation and publication
• Collaborate with scientists across the Institute to help set project priorities
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team and within a program/project management infrastructure to achieve the institute’s scientific goals
• Properly handle hazardous chemicals

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform 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 molecular, cell biology, bioengineering, or a related biological life science, or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture

Preferred Education and Experience

• Hands-on experience with human stem cell culture
• Extensive hands-on experience in molecular biology, including quantitative assessments of cellular state dynamics
• Hands-on experience with Cas9/CRISPR and/or related genome engineering methods
• Hands-on experience with molecular design and testing of synthetic biology tools
• Hands-on experience applying modeling approaches to biological problems in cell and/or developmental biology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and passion for collaborating within a team-based environment

Work Environment:

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

Physical Demands:

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• This role is an onsite role. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N., with flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis as needed and approved by supervisor.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance and work visa sponsorship**

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 accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.