Research Associate Senior - Molecular Immunology and Proteomics

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 mission of the Allen Institute for Immunology is to advance the fundamental understanding of human immunology through the study of immune health and diseases where excessive or impaired immune responses drive pathological processes. The Institute will employ a multi-disciplinary team approach in collaboration with academic centers of human immunology to generate novel mechanistic insights into the immune synapse in health and in diseases such as autoimmunity or oncology. The Institute will simultaneously provide a foundational data set and tools for future immunological research as well as a novel collaboration portal for the broader scientific community.

Allen Institute for Immunology is seeking an experienced research associate to join a team focused on understanding and mapping the human immune system in health and disease leading to translational outcomes to improve patients’ lives. Specific responsibilities will include working in a cross-functional environment to perform expression, perturbation and validation experiments as part of hypothesis testing and translational applications. This role will focus on using proteomics and genomic approaches to perturb the immune system to further our mechanistic understanding. Key experimental approaches could include high throughput small molecule screens and functional assays and; protein production including antigens or antibodies. The ability to function in a team and to effectively communicate within that team to bring projects to completion on a timeline is essential. The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge base in experimental design in the context of the immune system and with demonstrated success in prioritizing experiments leading to rapid go-no-go decision points in an overall translational research program.

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Essential Functions

• Work in a cross-functional environment to perform validation and perturbation experiments for hypotheses generated through our cellular, molecular and proteomic pipelines to lead target discovery and validation efforts
• Key experimental approaches could include: (1) plasmid design and construction; (2) genetic manipulation of mammalian cells via CRISPR/TALENS/lentiviruses/dominant negative expression; (3) high throughput small molecule screens; (4) protein production and validation including antigens or antibodies; (5) in vitro functional protein assays
• Communicate within the team to bring projects to completion on a timeline

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 immunology or related discipline (biochemistry, molecular biology, etc.)
• Minimum six (6) years of research experience in immunology in either an academic or drug development setting with demonstrated success

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in immunology or related discipline
• Protein production from bacterial and mammalian cultures at small and large scale, including the use of FPLC systems
• Antibody production and validation
• Experience in mass-spectrometry and the resulting data analysis
• Experience with plasmid construct design: PCR; restriction digest; cloning; Gibson assembly; sequencing
• Manipulation of mammalian cell gene expression through CRISPR/TALENS/Lentiviral transduction, including validation assays  e.g. qPCR; western blotting; genotyping
• High throughput screens (e.g. yeast two hybrid, phage display, reporter screens, small molecule screens)
• Able to work independently as well as in a collaborative fast-paced environment
• Effectively communicate the results as part of troubleshooting and project management
• Experience of antibody production and validation
• Protein chemistry including conjugation approaches
• Strong reputation for working within a team to bring projects to completion
• High attention to detail and excellent record keeping skills with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills in a cross-functional environment

Work Environment

• Working in a laboratory
• Working at a computer and using a mouse for extended periods of time
• May need to work outside of standard working hours at times
• 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 flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.  

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• In keeping with our focus on employee safety, all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. All employees will be required to keep their vaccination status up to date according to CDC guidance and our policy.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity does sponsor work visas**
• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**

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.