Research Associate I – Viral Genetic Tools

The mission of the Allen Institute is to understand the principles that govern life and to advance health. Our creative and multi-dimensional teams focus on answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience. We accelerate foundational research, catalyze bold ideas, develop tools and models, and openly share our science to make a broad, transformational impact on the world.

The mission of the Allen Institute for Brain Science is to accelerate the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. Using a big science approach, we generate useful public resources, drive technological and analytical advances, and discover fundamental brain properties through integration of experiments, modeling, and theory.

We are seeking a Research Associate who will be part of a multidisciplinary team within the Molecular Genetics department, which generates high-precision genetic tools to effectively label, monitor, and manipulate distinct cell types within the mouse brain. We aim to generate novel viral vectors, which will enable us to target individual cell types, in a reproducible and precise manner. These genetic tools enable the analysis of the structure and function of neural circuits within the brain and represent foundational resources for the neuroscience community.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in molecular biology, with emphasis on cloning strategies. They will be collaborative and highly motivated with prior experience in cutting edge molecular biology techniques and should be detail oriented, organized, and able to multitask.

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

• Design and construct viral vector plasmids using molecular cloning techniques
• Work with cell cultures to produce viral vectors
• Handle brain tissue to evaluate transgene expression in the brain, using fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH)
• Manage characterization efforts conducted by our core teams and coordinate activities with key stakeholders
• Carefully follow existing methods and SOPs and propose modifications and improvements
• Maintain meticulous experimental records with a strong sense of responsibility, accountability, and integrity
• Strong time management skills with the capacity to prioritize work from multiple projects

*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 life science (e.g., Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Genetics) or related field
• Experience with plasmid construct design: PCR; restriction digestion; cloning; Gibson assembly; DNA sequencing
• Proficiency using VectorBuilder / SnapGene / Geneious platforms for molecular cloning and sequence analysis
• Experience in standard histological techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry, RNA in situ hybridization, etc.)

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2 years of lab experience
• Experience performing invasive live animal procedures, such as injections (intraperitoneal, retro-orbital or stereotaxic) and transcardial perfusions
• Experience in standard histological techniques (e.g., immunohistochemistry, RNA in situ hybridization, etc.)
• Experience with standard tissue culture techniques
• Ability to design and troubleshoot complex experiments

Work Environment

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Laboratory environment - possible 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) - including wearing respiratory protection for long periods of time
• Working with dry ice or liquid nitrogen
• Sample handling of the following material, including but not limited to: human whole blood, PBMC, Plasma, nucleic acids, and cells

Animal Care Services

• Exposure to and handling of laboratory animals required
• Administration of compounds to mice (iv, ip, sc, po, im, ro, icv)
• Perform euthanasia and tissue collections

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 10 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment, repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Push/pull up to 5 pounds
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching, or climbing ladders

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• 100% experimental work in a laboratory
• 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 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.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas **

Annualized Salary Range

• $54,250- $66,450*

* 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.