Research Associate I – Experimental Immunology

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 goal of the Allen Institute for Immunology is to translate deep knowledge of the human immune system into discoveries that can improve the understanding and treatment of immune-related diseases. We do this by utilizing innovative, cutting-edge technologies and advanced data analysis approaches to identify basic scientific principles, biomarkers of disease, and new targets for therapeutic intervention. The Institute will provide foundational data sets and tools for future immunological research as well as a novel collaboration portal for the broader scientific community.

The Allen Institute for Immunology is seeking a Research Associate I to be part of a vibrant team, responsible for performing mechanistic immunology studies and for validating findings derived from our longitudinal healthy, autoimmune, and cancer immunology cohorts. This RA I will support the work of the team by performing cell isolation from blood and tissue, cell culture, flow cytometry, flow panel design and development, participating in the general operation and maintenance of the laboratory, and performing routine laboratory tasks. Candidates will actively contribute to the analysis and interpretation of data they generate.

The RA I is responsible for executing a wide variety of laboratory tasks and/or experiments in a highly technical environment. They must keep good records. Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for troubleshooting, and operating complex laboratory instrumentation. The RA I is expected to comply with regulatory requirements in a near GLP environment. A successful candidate possesses excellent attention to detail and the eagerness to work in a Team Science, deadline-driven atmosphere.

Essential Functions

• Isolate plasma, serum, and primary human immune cells from blood, bone marrow and biopsy specimens
• Cell culture of primary cells and cell lines
• Perform tests of cellular function using a variety of in vitro methods
• Perform flow cytometry assays
• Troubleshooting experiments
• Maintain a laboratory notebook in a complete, consistent, and concise manner in accordance with company intellectual property policies and practices
• Follow good laboratory practices
• Support discovery projects as part of the Experimental Immunology core team

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 a life science
• Direct experience with flow cytometry and data analysis; FlowJo or equivalent
• Background in immunology and primary cell processing

Preferred Experience

• 0 to 2 years of relevant flow experience
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
• Experience with cell culture techniques, cell isolation protocols and ELISA/MSD assays
• Excellent work ethic displayed as a reliable, self-motivated, enthusiastic team player
• Experience with a LIMS system
• Eagerness to learn new skills

Work Environment

• Open office seating
• Bench top work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment, including potential exposure to biohazards
• Requires repetitive multi-channel pipetting, single channel pipetting, computer data entry, and working in biosafety cabinets (tissue culture hoods)

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office and lab equipment, repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching, or climbing ladders

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• 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

Annualized Salary Range

• $48,100 - $64,150*

* 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 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.