Director of Scientific Operations – Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology

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.

Join the Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology (SeaHub), an initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and start-up style execution. SeaHub is a deep collaboration with the University of Washington and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). Our mission is to reimagine living cells and genomes as devices for recording biology and diagnostic information over time, as well as for encoding real-time therapeutic decision-making. Take off with us as we imagine — and create — a kind of cellular flight recorder that can also seize the controls. Be part of a small dynamic team with world-class scientists.

SeaHub is looking for a Director of Scientific Operations. The successful candidate will lead scientific operations for aspects of SeaHub projects that are based at the Allen Institute, including those already underway as well as any new projects, while also facilitating coordination with aspects of these same projects based at UW or elsewhere. They will oversee budget development, budget management, and budget reporting. They will lead administrative activities that support our team, enabling delivery of our mission. The administrative activities to be overseen include budget support, contracting, laboratory operations, administrative assistance, and meeting planning. The ideal candidate will be a capable manager with a gift for creating operational excellence to balance growth and long-term success.

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

• Partner with SeaHub Leadership and Allen Institute's Chief Operating Officer to establish, coordinate, and maintain cross-functional alignment toward achieving annual scientific goals
• Manage and mentor an operational team incorporating laboratory operations and administrative support
• Lead the development of SeaHub’s Allen Institute budget, maximizing alignment with strategic priorities via the annual budget process, forecasting, and long-range financial planning
• Actively manage timelines and communicate risks to senior leadership
• Support the SeaHub leadership team (LT), including LT meeting management
• Build and manage partnerships with UW – including PIs, Administrative leadership at the UW Brotman Baty Institute, and other UW team members – to enable smooth joint operations and data/knowledge sharing
• Oversee reporting and stakeholder engagement by providing financial and program reports to the SeaHub Joint Oversight Board, the SeaHub Scientific Advisory Committee, the Allen Institute leadership, the Allen Institute Board of Directors, CZI, and any other relevant stakeholders
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with external and internal partners to support data sharing, communication, and joint initiatives
• Manage and mentor the SeaHub admin team – and collaborate with the Allen Institute admin teams – to oversee preparation and execution of reports, events, and meetings that enhance the visibility and impact of the SeaHub team
• Maintain oversight of legal agreements and contracts ensuring compliance and IP protection, establishing and maintaining collaborations, partnerships, and licenses as needed
• Serve as the primary point of contact for SeaHub’s interface with Allen Institute's administrative teams, including other Scientific Operations Directors, People and Culture, IT, Legal, Finance, Communications, Events, and Scientific Support
• Reinforce and uphold a culture of team science, helping to build an environment where diverse perspectives thrive, collaborations flourish, and information flows openly across institutional boundaries
• Promote a culture of transparency, operational excellence, and scientific collaboration by organizing and facilitating meetings and communications

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 Experience and Education

• Ph.D. in biological sciences or engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years in program/operations management within research, biotech, or academic environments, including team leadership
• Background and experience in biomedical research, and a strong understanding of the scientific research process and interdisciplinary teamwork
• Demonstrated Program Management experience, especially in cross-functional programs
• 5+ years of direct or indirect supervisory experience, including working across large teams
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting/forecasting and milestone-driven cross-functional execution
• Proven success partnering with universities/sponsored research offices and navigating subawards and agreements

Preferred Education and Experience

• Graduate degree in administration
• 10+ years of experience managing research operations and complex budgets in non-profit research institutes, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or academic settings
• Strong analytical skills and business acumen with a proven record of success working in interdisciplinary research teams
• Impeccable written and verbal communication skills and skilled presenter; ability to communicate clearly throughout all levels of a research organization and external collaborators
• Ability to interpret professional journals, technical procedures/reports/documents, business periodicals, and governmental regulations
• Demonstrated track record of implementing and improving processes and structures in a research setting
• In-depth knowledge and broad understanding of research operations management, finance and budgeting, planning and execution
• Exceptional ability to anticipate issues, problem solve, mitigate risk and provide creative solutions
• Deep experience with portfolio and alliance management across internal programs and external partnerships
• Hands-on experience with Finance/ERP tools, procurement, and cost controls; comfort with audits and compliance
• Experience coordinating with an Office of Sponsored Research on grants, subawards, and new proposal budgets
• Demonstrated track record of organizing institute-level meetings/events, external tours, and strategic communications
• Experience with facility and space planning in lab environments and familiarity with lab vendor contracts (MTAs/NDAs/CRAs)
• Experience collaborating with IT on data/reporting needs and storage/governance
• Experience orchestrating change management and culture initiatives (employee surveys, IDPs, recognition, and engagement)
• Experience operating across multi-institutional settings (e.g., Allen / UW) with clear service-level expectations
• Comfortable representing programs on cross-institute committees and executive-level forums

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment

Work Environment

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or reach
• Possible exposure and handling of laboratory animals
• Laboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substances

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently working onsite and is expected to work onsite the majority of working hours. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for Allen Institute employees is 700 Dexter Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State

Travel

• The successful candidate may be invited to attend occasional national and international conferences

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**

Annualized Salary Range

• $195,850 - $256,950 *

* 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 outline 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.