Research Associate II – Molecular Biology, Genome Engineering (SeaHub)

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), a new 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. Take off with us as we imagine — and create — a kind of cellular flight recorder that can also seize the controls. Be part of a small dynamic team on the ground floor of a new program with world-class scientists.

SeaHub is looking for a Research Associate to join our “Write” team, responsible for expanding our ability to efficiently store biological records in genomic DNA. The “Write” team will be part of a larger effort that includes teams focused on expanding our abilities to engineer cells and genomes to autonomously “Write,” “Read,” and “Act” at a molecular level. The Research Associate will be conducting experiments on a daily basis to improve performance of synthetic information storage operations, e.g., using DNA Typewriter.

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

• Plan, design, and order sequences
• Perform genome engineering, molecular biology, cell culture, genomics methods
• Review and analyze data
• Troubleshoot technical barriers to progress in synthetic information storage operations
• Contribute to the development and documentation 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
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation using established methods
• Participate in quality control and troubleshooting of processes and results
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field
• Two years of equivalent experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2 - 5 years of equivalent experience
• Experience performing molecular biology methods including as many as possible of: plasmid cloning, CRISPR/Cas9-editing, RNA isolation, agarose and acrylamide gel analysis, Western Blots, mammalian cell culture, stem cell culture, qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS library prep
• Competence and ability to work in a molecular biology / cell culture laboratory
• Experience with massively parallel or other reporter assays, CRISPR/Cas9/prime editing, mouse husbandry
• Familiarity with signal transduction, cell signaling, RNA biology, genome engineering, synthetic biology, functional genomics and screening, or related disciplines
• Familiarity with NGS data analysis

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 is currently working onsite 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 applicant may be invited to attend occasional national and international conferences

Additional Comments

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

Annualized Salary Range

• $58,950 - $78,600 *
  
  * 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 Institute’s 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.