Research Associate I - High Resolution Translational Immunology

Research Associate I - High Resolution Translational 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 mission of the Allen Institute for Immunology is to advance the fundamental understanding of human immunology through the study of immune health and diseases where excessive or impaired immune responses drive pathological processes. The Institute will employ a multi-disciplinary team approach in collaboration with academic centers of human immunology to generate novel mechanistic insights into the immune synapse in health and in diseases such as autoimmunity or oncology. The Institute will simultaneously provide a foundational data set and tools for future immunological research as well as a novel collaboration portal for the broader scientific community.
The Research Associate I (RAI) will be part of a multi-disciplinary team and will be responsible for performing core immunology and molecular biology techniques for the Allen Institute in a standardized, high throughput manner. These assays will include single-cell RNA sequencing of human immune cells, and may include flow cytometry or cell sorting. Good judgment and problem-solving skills are required for recognizing process deviations, participating in troubleshooting, and operation of complex laboratory instrumentation. The Research Associate I is expected to work within a team environment to tailor molecular biology assays to support hypothesis driven research. A successful candidate possesses excellent attention to detail and the eagerness to work in a team science, deadline-driven atmosphere.
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

• Perform single-cell RNA sequencing and other complex molecular assays following standardized operating procedures (SOP)
• Operate liquid handling instruments, flow cytometers, and other instrumentation
• Perform Quality Control (QC) assays where necessary
• Meet production schedules and QC deliverables
• Maintain and follow proper laboratory documentation (ELN and LIMS)
• Help with assay validation, SOP authoring, and optimizations
• Support other team members and multiple projects as needed
• Validate equipment and tracking tools
• Support proof-of-concept projects as a part of the High Resolution core assay team
• Summarize and present lab results to team members and project stakeholders

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 discipline

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NGS technologies or single cell RNA transcriptomics is preferred or required for more experienced candidates
• Experience with liquid handling robots
• Experience with a LIMS or ELN system
• Excellent work ethic displayed as a reliable, self-motivated, enthusiastic team player
• 1 to 2 years of equivalent experience
• 1+ year experience working in a GLP or CLIA regulated environment
• Experience learning new technologies
• Background in molecular biology and/or immunology; working knowledge of cell types and functional assays
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Proven problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Work Environment

• Will enter a laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Will be required to wear personal protective equipment
• Sample handling of the following material, including but not limited to: human whole blood, PBMC, Plasma, nucleic acids, and cells
• 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
• Bench top lab work requires repetitive multi-channel pipetting, single channel pipetting, computer data entry, and working in PCR and BSC hoods.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• 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 the flexibility to work remotely on a limited basis.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required

Travel

• Occasional travel may be required

Additional Details

• Pending review of experience through the interview process, the exact level of title and related compensation will be determined

Annualized Salary Range

• $48,100 - $ 67,350 *

* 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.