Lab Operations Coordinator II – Molecular Genetics

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 Brain Science is to accelerate the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. Using a big science approach, we generate useful public resources, drive technological and analytical advances, and discover fundamental brain properties through the integration of experiments, modeling, and theory.

The Allen Institute for Brain Science is seeking a highly motivated, collaborative Lab Operations Coordinator II, who will be part of the Molecular Genetics department and be tightly embedded in pipeline processes. The Lab Operations Coordinator will be responsible for performing various routine tasks to support the laboratory research staff, including but not limited to material and reagent inventory management, and laboratory organization, cleaning, and maintenance. The Lab Operation Coordinator is responsible for executing a wide variety of laboratory and organizational tasks. Good judgment, strong organizational and problem-solving skills are required to help support and maintain well-functioning laboratory processes. The Lab Operation Coordinator is expected to comply with regulatory requirements, adhere to numerous SOPs, and to work efficiently in a team environment. A successful candidate possesses excellent attention to detail, computer skills, and flexibility needed to work in a startup environment.

The Lab Operations Coordinator will work closely with Research Associates, Scientists, and Program Management to support Molecular Genetics department operations.

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

• Maintain the laboratory inventory and perform routine inventory/stocking checks
• Receive orders and packages and register any applicable reagents or material items to the LIMS database system and store the contents appropriately
• Maintain laboratory organization and perform routine cleaning procedures or equipment maintenance according to standard procedures
• Provide technical support in the laboratory and collaborate with administrative departments to address equipment failures and compliance needs
• Manage biological resource distribution, including material transfer agreements and deposition to public repositories
• Perform departmental tasks and serve as a point of contact for lab operations and safety adherence

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

• High School Diploma
• Beginner skill level with Excel formulas including pivot tables and charts
• 2 years of related work experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or related field
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to organize and prioritize work for timely completion
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to understand and follow instructions
• Excellent computer skills including the ability to learn new software programs quickly
• Positive attitude and ability to work with changing priorities and the needs of a diverse team of Scientists and Research Associates working on a wide variety of projects
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Experience with a LIMS or similar laboratory information management system
• Experience with inventory management and use of an inventory management system
• 1+ year experience working in a stockroom or laboratory environment
• Experience with software packages to organize documents and data (i.e., MS Word, Excel, Adobe suite, Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate, Office 365)
• Experience a research lab environment

Work Environment

• Working at a desk in an office setting
• Lab work: sending reagents (pipetting), purchasing new equipment, scheduling equipment use. Bench top work requires repetitive tasks such as labeling tubes, plates, boxes, etc.
• Working with dry ice or liquid nitrogen

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment, repetitive motion with lab equipment
• Occasional lifting, up to 30 pounds [reference: a ream of paper weighs approx. 5lbs]
• Push/pull up to 50 lbs. [reference: pushing a cart]
• Stooping, bending, crouching
• Reaching or climbing ladders

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This position is full-time, on-site, to be performed during regular business hours.
• This role is currently working onsite and the person in this role is expected to work onsite for the majority of working hours. The primary work location for this role is 615 Westlake Ave N..

Annualized Salary Range

• $41,550 - $52,350*

* Final salary depends on the required education for the role, experience, level of skills relevant to the role, and 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.