Research Associate I – Stem Cells, Gene Editing and Differentiation

The missionof 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 Cell Science is to create multi-scale visual models of cell organization, dynamics, and activities. Our approach encompasses large scale data collection, observation, theory, and predictions to understand cellular behavior in normal and pathological contexts.

The Stem Cells and Gene Editing group within the Experimental Cell Science team is seeking a proactive, collaborative, and curious Research Associate to join our multi-disciplinary group. This role involves gene editing as well as maintaining and characterizing CRISPR-Cas9 edited human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines on an as-needed basis. These cell lines are crucial for internal research and are also distributed worldwide as part of the Allen Cell Collection. Additionally, this Research Associate will employ various methods to differentiate hiPSC lines to several mesenchymal cell lineages. This work will advance the mission of the institute by supplying cells in various states to dynamic live-cell imaging experiments intended to interrogate those states. The successful candidate will have cell culture and molecular biology experience to qualify them for this role.

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.

**Please provide a cover letter to be considered for this opportunity**

Essential Functions

• Maintain human stem cell cultures including feeding, passaging and freezing with strict adherence to internal SOPs, GLPs and regulatory requirements
• Assist in performing differentiation experiments
• Employ CRISPR/Cas9-based and related gene editing methods to create novel engineered cell lines for specific cell science projects
• Prepare laboratory reagents
• Routinely perform molecular biology experiments using PCR based technologies
• Precisely follow protocols and workflows for gene editing and cell culture
• Properly handle hazardous chemicals
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebook records
• Perform laboratory inventory functions
• Prepare written and oral reports on a regular basis
• Assist in cross-functional activities including hand-offs to various teams

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 cell biology, or a related biological life science

Preferred Education and Experience

• 0 – 2 years of relevant post-undergraduate experience
• Strong background in cell biology
• Experience with laboratory practices related to human stem cell culture or differentiation
• Strong interpersonal and organization skills, careful attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting to 30 pounds
• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; repetitive motion with lab equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Please note, this position requires work approximately 4 to 8 hours Saturdays or Sundays, flexible scheduling weekdays every week, and holidays. Regular weekend work is required and will be accommodated with flexible scheduling during the workweek.
• 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.

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity does not sponsor work visas and has no relocation assistance**

Annualized Salary Range

• $48,100- $64,150*

• 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.