Research Associate I – Automation

Research Associate I – Automation

The Allen Institute accelerates science for a healthier world through large-scale research designed to answer some of the most complex questions in biology. Our multi-disciplinary teams generate foundational knowledge, tools, and data to understand how our brain, cells, and immune system work. We share our work openly so others can build on it, move faster, and ask bigger questions. We drive discovery forward and create new possibilities for improving human health.

The goal of our Cell Science accelerator is to create the first holistic framework to predict how cells self-organize into complex cell communities and tissues in order to program an entirely new kind of synthetic tissue that can be used to ask focused questions about how cells behave, including in response to drug interventions.

The Cell Science accelerator at the Allen Institute is recruiting a Research Associate to contribute to their ambitious mission: to make multicellular behavior predictable and programmable. To achieve this goal, the Cell Science team draws from distinctive strengths in stem cell engineering, high-content imaging, image quantification, and data-driven machine learning to advance our understanding of cell states during morphogenesis.

This position interfaces with the cell imaging and automationteams for developing scalable, quantitative image-based assays of cell organization, activity and function and generating high-quality, reproducible images of hiPSCs forming 3D tissues. This Research Associate I position will focus on creating cell samples for imaging via operating automated robotic systems to ensure a consistent and standardized sample input for multiple imaging modalities. The Research Associate position will also contribute to microscopy image quality control acquisition and analysis, as well as fulfill other support functions within the team. The position requires attention to detail and an interest in collaborative team-based science, including maintaining meticulous records, coordination with other programs in the Institute to ensure seamless integration and sharing of resources and data, and adherence to SOPs.

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 Functions

• Operate an automated cell culture platform (Hamilton Star)
• Operate multiple confocal microscopes and high-content imagers
• Provide and implement quality control of microscope systems (laser alignment verification, laser power measurement)
• Maintain meticulous records and work closely with other scientists to coordinate complex activities
• Coordinate with other programs in the Institute to ensure seamless integration and sharing of resources and data
• Adherence to SOPs, GLPs and regulatory requirements

*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 Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related degree
• Hands-on experience with cell culture
• Basic experience with automation

PreferredEducation and Experience

• 1-2 years of experience in a research environment (academic or industry)
• Experience working with cell culture automation
• Experience with any Hamilton-based automation system
• Hands-on experience using microscopy, live-cell imaging is a plus
• Basic experience with the Python programing language and Git hub repository
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to details
• Experience working in a team based and/or multi-disciplinary environment in academic or industrial settings
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Work Environment

• Laboratory and office environment
• Laboratory environment - possible chemical, biological, or other hazardous substances exposure
• Exposure to BSL-2 organisms, such as recombinant viruses – appropriate personnel protective equipment (PPE) required
• Working with dry ice and liquid nitrogen

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and lab equipment; repetitive motion
• Push/pull up to 50 lbs (e.g., pushing a cart)
• Stooping, bending, crouching, reaching, and occasional ladder use

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 700 Dexter Ave N.
• This role is expected to be on call for up to 20 weekends per year

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas**

Annualized Salary Range

• $54,250 - $66,450 *

* 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.