Research Associate I

Research Associate I – Synthetic Enhancer ScreeningThe 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 our artificial intelligence powered lab, an initiative at the intersection of academic creativity and start-up style execution. Our mission is to apply machine learning to biological design. Join us as we build a series of interconnected design-test-loop “flywheels” that enable design of synthetic enhancers, protein binders, and more.We are looking for a Research Associate to join our synthetic enhancer flywheel, responsible for expanding our ability to rapidly build datasets that will train the next generation of DNA design machine learning models. Scarcity of high-quality training data is a major barrier to building the best DNA design models. Thus, you will help to optimize your flywheel’s experimental turn-around-time and data quality. To assist this flywheel team, the Research Associate will be working in the laboratory to clone and screen Massively Parallel Reporter Assay (MPRA) libraries in a variety of cell lines.At the Allen Institute, we believe that science is for everyone – and should be open to everyone. We are dedicated to combating biases and reducing barriers to STEM careers more broadly. We also believe that science is better when it includes different perspectives and voices. We strive to make the Allen Institute a place where everyone feels like they belong and are empowered to do their best work in a supportive environment.We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.Essential FunctionsMaintain and propagate human cell lines, optimize and perform plasmid DNA transfections and viral transductionsExecute molecular biology protocols, including molecular cloning, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, ddPCR, Illumina amplicon sequencing, RNA-seq, single cell RNA-seqAssist in troubleshooting technical barriers in the generation of high quality NGS libraries, from library delivery to cell lines through NGS library generationContribute to the development of new protocols as neededPresent results and summarize progress to help frame internal decision-makingComply with SOPs, good laboratory practices, and regulatory requirementsAdhere to a team schedule and individual time managementMaintain accurate laboratory documentation using established methodsOther duties as assignedNote: 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 ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Cell Biology, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field Preferred Education And Experience2 years of equivalent experienceExperience with stem cell cultureExperience performing molecular biology methods including molecular cloning (such as restriction cloning, Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate assembly, plasmid prep)Experience cloning complex libraries is a plusRNA isolation, DNA isolation, and PCRTrack-record of being an effective team memberExperience with nucleic acid sequencing, especially custom amplicon sequencingExperience performing cell biology methods including mammalian cell culture, stem cell culture, primary cell culture, nucleofection, and lipofectionPhysical DemandsFine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office/lab equipment Work EnvironmentFrequently required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel or reachPossible exposure and handling of laboratory animalsLaboratory atmosphere - possible exposure to chemical, biological or other hazardous substancesPosition Type/Expected Hours of WorkThis role requires onsite work 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. TravelThe successful candidate may be invited to attend occasional national and international conferences Additional Comments**Please note, this opportunity may offer relocation assistance****Please note, this opportunity does not provide work visa sponsorship**Annualized Salary Range$54,250 - $66,450 * Final salary depends on required education for the role, experience, and level of skills relevant to the role, along with work location, where applicable.BenefitsEmployees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outline 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.