RA III – Transgenic Microinjectionist

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 Allen Institute is seeking a hands-on Research Associate to generate transgenic and genome-edited mouse lines using embryo microinjection—and to manage the small-project pipeline that enables this work. You will execute end-to-end embryo workflows (donor prep, zygote collection, microinjection, culture, transfer, documentation) while also coordinating request intake, scheduling, and status communication with internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate pairs steady micromanipulation skills with disciplined project tracking, clear communication, and continuous data-driven process improvement. An early focus will be working with the Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology to create biological recorder mice, in which cellular history is recorded to the genome.

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

• Perform pronuclear, nuclear, or cytoplasmic injections in one- or two-cell mouse embryos for transgenesis using RCME/CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology
• Prepare injection mixes (DNA, RNA, RNP), verify concentration/quality, and maintain batch records
• Harvest sperm from male mice for use in in vitro fertilization
• Prepare embryos for injection, via IVF or collection from superovulated females; conduct in vitro embryo culture and quality assessment
• Conduct surgical embryo transfer into recipients with veterinary staff; monitor recipients and litters
• Work closely with multiple cross-functional teams to coordinate time-sensitive procedures
• Maintain and calibrate microinjection rigs (microscopes, manipulators, microforges/pullers); manage consumables and reagents
• Track embryos and animals through LIMS/ELN; document all steps to GLP-like standards and generate daily/weekly throughput metrics
• Troubleshoot injection, culture, and transfer issues; implement SOP updates to improve survival, editing efficiency, and yield
• Uphold IACUC, biosafety, and chemical safety requirements; participate in internal audits and training
• Contribute to weekend/holiday rotations and early-morning schedules dictated by embryo timing
• Coordinate multiple research initiatives and ensure timely delivery of experimental outcomes: triage requests, prioritize scope, plan capacity, maintain an injection/transfer calendar aligned to superovulation windows and rig/staff availability, and manage risks/changes
• Other tasks as assigned

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 in biology, animal science, bioengineering, or related field
• 4 years of recent, hands-on experience performing mouse pronuclear and/or zygotic microinjections with documented embryo survival to transfer
• Proficiency with stereomicroscopy, embryo handling, and microinjection hardware/software
• Comfortable handling mice and embryos; knowledge of IACUC and AAALAC standards

Preferred Education and Experience

• 5+ years of recent, hands-on experience performing mouse pronuclear and/or zygotic microinjections with documented embryo survival to transfer
• Strong fine-motor skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow SOPs precisely under time constraints
• Accurate digital record keeping; basic data analysis in Excel/Sheets or LIMS
• Experience coordinating projects
• Experience performing cryopreservation of zygotes, oocytes, and sperm
• Experience performing mouse line rederivation using IVF or zygotes
• Experience using DIC-enabled Nikon Ti2 microscope with Eppendorf/Calibre micromanipulators/microinjector, and WPI E-pore cell penetrator

Work Environment

• May enter laboratory environment, including potential exposure to lasers, chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Possible exposure to BioSafety Level 2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses
• This may include wearing personnel protective equipment (PPE)

Animal Care Services

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Pre and post-operative care for mice
• Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
• Perform health assessments of mice
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections

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 the 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.

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.

Travel

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

Additional Comments

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

Annualized Salary Range

• $80,168 - $93,150 *

* 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.