Research Associate I – Protein Binding Screening

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 our Artificial Intelligence-Powered Lab (AIPL), an initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and start-up style execution. Our mission is to apply machine learning to biological design. Join us as we build a series of interconnected design-test-loop “flywheels” that enable design of synthetic enhancers, protein binders, and more.

AIPL is looking for a research associate to join our protein binder flywheel team. The binder flywheel team is part of a larger effort that includes a total of three experimental flywheel teams and one machine learning team, and that will report into the SeaHub administrative unit. The goal of the binder flywheel is to produce a model that can accurately predict the effect of amino acid substitutions on the binding of proteins to other proteins, small molecules, and nucleic acids. To assist this flywheel team, you will need a strong background in protein library screening. You will work in the lab to optimize active learning processes in your flywheel. You will help to optimize your flywheel’s turn-around-time and per-cycle model improvement, racing to help deliver the best possible ML models for predicting the impact of mutations on protein binding.

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 protein library screening and binder evaluation experiments to generate high-quality, model-ready datasets
• Execute binder screening protocols, including molecular cloning, CLICK/Phage display, FACS, and NGS library preparation and sequencing
• Assist in troubleshooting technical barriers in the generation of high-quality data, from library cloning to delivery to FACS to NGS library generation
• Review and analyze data, participating in quality control and troubleshooting of processes and results
• Contribute to the development of new protocols as needed
• Present results and summarize progress to help frame internal decision-making
• Comply with SOPs, good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements
• Adhere to a team schedule and individual time management
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation using established methods

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 biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2 years of equivalent experience
• Experience with protein library screening workflows (e.g., yeast/phage display + FACS/NGS or other high-throughput binder discovery platforms)
• Experience performing molecular biology methods including molecular cloning (such as restriction cloning, Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate assembly, plasmid prep)
• Experience cloning complex libraries is a plus
• RNA isolation, DNA isolation, and PCR
• Track-record of being an effective team member
• Competence and ability to work in a molecular biology/cell culture laboratory
• Experience with nucleic acid sequencing, especially custom amplicon sequencing
• Experience performing cell biology methods including mammalian cell culture, murine embryonic stem cell culture, primary cell culture, nucleofection, and lipofection

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office/lab 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 requires onsite work 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

Travel

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

Annualized Salary Range

• $54,250 - $66,450 *

* 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 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.