Scientist II – High Throughput Genome Engineering

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. 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. At SeaHub, we work to pioneer a kind of in vivo cellular flight recorder that can also seize the controls.

SeaHub’s “Write” Team seeks a highly experienced genome engineer to join us at the level of Scientist II. The Write team is responsible for expanding our ability to efficiently store biological records in genomic DNA. We are part of a larger effort that includes teams focused on expanding our ability to engineer cells, genomes and mice to autonomously “Sense,” “Read,” and “Act” at a molecular level, expanding upon the prime editing-based DNA Typewriter technology (Choi Nature 2022).

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

• Collaboratively ideate, vet, and execute strategy for expanding and improving genome writing capabilities, including selection or development of parallelized editing machinery in vitro and in vivo
• Design and perform experiments to improve performance of genome writing operations, including improving signal-to-noise, fidelity, and efficiency, ideally ensuring high, uniformity of activity across cell types
• Troubleshoot technical barriers to genome editing, such as differentiation-induced silencing
• Optimize synthetic DNA delivery using methods like piggyBAC, landing pad integration or viral transduction
• Perform advanced genomics protocols (e.g., custom amplicon sequencing, RNA-seq, single cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq)
• Independently execute molecular biology protocols, including molecular cloning, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, ddPCR
• Establish SOPs for novel assays and work with junior scientists to implement them in a screening pipeline
• Work with computational scientists to assess editing performance and recommend process improvements to maximize data utility
• Review and analyze data, participating in quality control and troubleshooting of processes and results
• Enact projects with start-up style execution, project organization, and pacing
• Train, mentor and may manage others to perform the above functions
• Maintain a detailed electronic lab notebook and create presentations to summarize progress and frame internal decision-making
• Comply with SOPs, good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirements
• Adhere to a team schedule and individual time management
• Other duties 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

• Ph.D in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Cell Biology, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• 3 years’ post-doctoral experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• 3 - 5 years relevant post-doctoral experience
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9/prime editing and optimization, molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, stem cell culture, developmental biology, genomics, nucleic acid sequencing (short and long read, custom amplicon), DNA/RNA-sequencing-based massively parallel screens, and/or mouse genetics
• Understanding of DNA repair, DNA replication, transcription, epigenetics, and RNA biology
• Familiarity with NGS (short and long read) data analysis
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, fast-paced team
• Experience in biotechnology start-up style execution, project organization style, and pacing
• Experience in scientific leadership and people management
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities

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

Additional Comments

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

Annualized Salary Range

• $105,600 - $130,650

* 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.