Scientist II – In Vivo Biology

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 Scientist II, In Vivo Biology. The In Vivo Biologist should have a strong background in mouse genetics and mouse model generation. The role will include leading our efforts to create and analyze biological recorder mice, from ESC generation to tissue collection, in close collaboration with teams focused on expanding our abilities to engineer cells and genomes to autonomously “Write,” “Read,” and “Act” at a molecular level. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing, executing, and analyzing in vivo studies aimed at improving the performance of artificial signal transducers such as ENGRAM and synthetic information storage operations, e.g., using DNA Typewriter. This position requires a collaborative mindset, timeline-management abilities, and the ability to work cross-functionally with other research teams to drive project success.

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

• Design and execute in vivo studies using genetically engineered mouse models to investigate the in vivo functionality of the DNA Typewriter and ENGRAM
• Perform or oversee various techniques including mouse breeding, genotyping, and colony management to generate and maintain mouse models of interest
• Collect and analyze tissue from in vivo experiments, including physiological measurements, histological analyses, and molecular assays
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including molecular biologists (WRITE, SENSE and BUILD teams as well as cross-institutional teams), computational biologists (READ team) to integrate in vivo findings into broader research efforts
• Contribute to the development of novel research methodologies and experimental approaches to enhance the efficiency genome editing for lineage tracing and cellular events recording
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, data, and results in accordance with regulatory guidelines and company policies
• Present research findings internally and externally through presentations, scientific meetings, and publications

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 Experience and Education

• PhD degree in biology, genetics, or related field; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant post-doctoral experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2 – 4 years relevant post-doctoral experience
• Proven expertise in mouse genetics, including experience with the generation and characterization of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) using homologous recombination, CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene editing techniques
• Demonstrated proficiency in conducting in vivo experiments, including mouse handling, dosing, and sample collection
• Ability to coordinate between multiple stakeholders working towards a common study
• Ability to meet aggressive timelines and deliverables in a collaborative environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• FACs sorting experience is a plus

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office 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

Animal Care Services

• May require exposure to and handling of laboratory animals, including pre- and post- operative care for mice
• May require performing euthanasia and tissue collections from mice

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 1000 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

• $94,650 - $126,200 *
  
  * 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.